Spain struggled to create clear openings in their previous match, with attacks becoming predictable in advanced areas. Yamal and Williams offer a different route: both can receive wide, drive at full-backs and stretch a defence before the midfield has to force the issue centrally.
That would be a tactical adjustment as much as a personnel change. Ferran Torres and Gavi are reportedly the players most likely to make way, while Mikel Oyarzabal is expected to retain the central attacking role despite a difficult outing against Cape Verde.
The likely plan is clear: keep Oyarzabal between the centre-backs and give Spain two natural dribblers outside him.
The selection carries some risk. Yamal is only recently back from a hamstring injury suffered at the end of April and was used as a late substitute last time out. Williams also arrived from the bench after dealing with fitness problems through much of last season.
Spain therefore have to balance greater attacking incision with workload management. Starting both could transform the team’s threat, but neither attacker has enjoyed a completely uninterrupted physical build-up.
Victor Munoz is reportedly the only injury doubt, with a slight hamstring problem potentially keeping him out of the squad.
The expected XI would place greater responsibility on Rodri, Pedri and Fabián Ruiz to find the wide forwards early. If Saudi Arabia defend narrowly, Spain’s ability to switch play quickly could decide whether the new front three have room to attack.
The next storyline is whether Yamal and Williams can turn Spain’s cautious, goalless display into a more direct performance-and secure the result needed to move closer to the knockout phase.