New Liverpool signing Victor Munoz misses out on making his World Cup debut again, with the winger not available for Spain's second group game against Saudi Arabia
Victor Munoz (Spain) looks on during Group H FIFA World Cup 2026, Spain and Cape Verde, Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, United States on June 15 2026. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Victor Munoz is missing for Spain against Saudi Arabia at the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool fans hoping to get a first look at Victor Munoz in action after signing for the club will be left disappointed.
The Reds completed the $46 million transfer from Osasuna on Wednesday, having hijacked Newcastle’s attempts to sign him. Munoz becomes the first new signing of the Andoni Iraola era, and will link up with his new teammates next month following his involvement in this summer’s World Cup.
The 22-year-old earned a place in Spain’s squad following an impressive season in La Liga, having joined Osasuna from Real Madrid just last year. The Bernabeu club actually had the chance to re-sign him for a bargain fee, but turned down the opportunity.
Munoz missed out on making his World Cup debut as Spain opened its tournament with a goalless draw against Cape Verde, and he is absent again as the European champions take on Saudi Arabia in their second group game.
The winger was ruled out during the build-up to the encounter after picking up a muscular injury while recovering from another issue in training.
A statement from the RFEF said: "During the scheduled and individualized recovery process, an additional muscle injury has occurred that will delay his return to competition.
"His availability for the upcoming matches will depend on the evolution of his symptoms."
Pedro Porro of Spain, Dani Olmo of Spain, Victor Munoz of Spain, Nico Williams of Spain during the World Cup
Victor Munoz has suffered an injury issue shortly after signing for Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Pablo Garcia/Soccrates/Getty Images))
Munoz is therefore not part of the matchday squad to take on Saudi Arabia, and there are suggestions he could also miss the final group game against Uruguay on Saturday.
His absence is another blow for Spain, who will be aiming to bounce back after the disappointment of dropping points against Cape Verde. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams have also been battling injury problems, although the former does start against Saudi Arabia.
Despite carrying an injury problem at the moment, Liverpool has not been deterred in making a move for Munoz, with the former Real star earning some rave reviews.
"Last season, Munoz was one of the revelations in La Liga," Spanish soccer writer Ruairidh Barlow told Liverpool.com. "After some good early form, people started to sit up and take notice, and he's seen as a rising star.
Content Image
Content Image
"Before Liverpool, Sunderland tried to buy him, and then Newcastle United this summer. He was also tipped as a potential alternative to Marcus Rashford for Barcelona.
"He's seen as one of Spain's primary rising talents. With wide players capable of beating a defender in high demand, he's one of the few players who can feasibly look like an alternative to Nico Williams on the left side.
"Whatever doubts you have about Munoz are mitigated by the fact that it's Iraola taking charge of him. Iraola loves pace out wide, and his wingers tend to thrive. They have a very clear brief to stretch the game, to drive at defenders, and to press aggressively, and those are all things Munoz does and can do."