Will Spain Be World Champion? Nico Williams Believes it’s Possible
A key figure in Euro 2024 and a goal-scorer in the final, the Basque player believes that La Roja will continue to grow and aim for the highest achievements in the upcoming World Cup.
He was one of the main faces of Spain's success last summer. Along with his teammate Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams embodied Spain's attacking play and caused trouble for the strongest defenses in Europe. "We are players who enjoy receiving the ball on the wing, destabilizing, dribbling a lot to then cross or finish. With Luis (de la Fuente), the style has changed: we are more vertical, we adapt well, and we’ve shown it," he said in an interview with FIFA, referring to the new direct style implemented by the Spanish coach, without losing the collective approach that characterizes Iberian football.
In this system, the young Basque player reached a new level during Euro 2024 in Germany, showcasing his talent in one of the most competitive tournaments. He scored two goals, including the first for Spain in the final against England, just two days after turning 22.
"We know our potential"
This success, in his second major international competition, has further fueled his ambitions for the future. After the experience in Qatar and the European title, Nico Williams dreams of adding a second star to Spain’s shirt.
"I don’t want to add more pressure, but we know our weight in Europe and the world. We are aware of our potential," he stated, although he also urged caution to avoid putting too much pressure on his teammates or himself. "We have a team to do great things," he emphasized. A team that has gained experience and now knows it can win.
Although they won’t be the favorites — a role that belongs to Argentina, the reigning world champions and winners of all competitions since 2021 — Spain and Nico Williams will be lurking, determined to prove that the new Iberian generation is ready to rule, just like the previous one did between 2008 and 2012.
