Nico Williams named on Spain’s bench for FIFA World Cup 2026 final vs Argentina

Nico Williams has been listed among the substitutes for Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Argentina. The decision to leave Williams out of the starting XI was made by Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente.

The match pits Spain against Argentina in the tournament’s final, and the selection of personnel for such a fixture is the responsibility of the head coach. For this game, de la Fuente chose a XI that does not include Williams at kick-off, with Williams available to be introduced from the bench. That placement confirms he will be part of Spain’s matchday squad but will not start the contest.

Luis de la Fuente communicated the selection that placed Williams among the substitutes rather than in the starting lineup. Williams’s role for the match is therefore as a potential replacement to be brought on at the coach’s discretion. The official team sheet reflects that designation for the final.

Being named on the bench means Williams is eligible to participate if the coaching staff decides to make a substitution during the match. His involvement will depend on the choices made by de la Fuente during the course of the final. The matchday configuration assigns him to the bench from the outset.

The selection decision for a major final like this is recorded in Spain’s match preparations and the official squad list for the fixture. Williams is part of the matchday personnel even though he will not be among the starters when the referee signals the beginning of play. The arrangement leaves open the possibility of his appearance later in the game.

This configuration — Williams among the substitutes and not in the starting XI — is the position confirmed by Spain’s coaching staff for the World Cup final. It reflects the lineup submitted for the fixture between Spain and Argentina. Any participation by Williams will follow from the substitutions chosen by de la Fuente during the match.

Williams’s bench status for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final is therefore established ahead of kick-off, with his role set as a substitute option for Spain. Whether he takes the field will be determined by the coach’s substitutions during the game.