​Why Nico Williams isn’t playing for Spain in very few minutes at World Cup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Nico Williams is a game-changing player.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDespite that, he has hardly played for Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Entering the semifinal against France, Williams has played about an hour in total, and just one start.In his past, he has been great against France, but that wasn’t enough to earn him a start in this semifinal.If he comes off the bench, he could flip the match in Spain’s favor.But at this rate, it’s not clear how much Williams can provide.MORE: Christian Pulisic gives a terrible answer after World Cup-ending lossWhile it’s never as simple as one reason, injuries sustained earlier in the World Cup are almost certainly what took Williams out of a rhythm at this tournament.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe hurt both his thigh and groin in the group stage against Uruguay.It doesn’t seem like he was an automatic starter before that, either, so it also seems that Spain has simply decided to play in a different manner.If the Spanish squad controls proceedings the rest of the way, Williams might not be needed.But if Spain struggles, Williams might be the trump card off the bench to try and turn a match around.Erling Haaland brought a wild $750 gift home from the World CupAn on-brand finish to Neymar’s Brazil careerLionel Messi makes announcer lose his mind in 35-second goal callWhy France sends kickoffs directly out of playActor who played Dani Rojas in Ted Lasso makes pro soccer debut