- Spain vs Austria: La Roja cruised to a 3-0 victory over Austria to book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
- The Round of 32 clash was played at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
- Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice, while Pedro Porro added the third to set up Spain’s Round of 16 showdown with either Portugal or Croatia.
Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice as Spain beat Austria 3-0 on Thursday night in Los Angeles to book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
Pedro Porro added the third goal on a night where new Marc Cucurella provided two assists as the reigning European champions secured a thrilling Round of 16 showdown with either Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal or Modric’s Croatia on Monday, July 6, at Dallas Stadium.
The first half saw Spain dominate possession for long spells, but for the opening 30 minutes they were unable to find the breakthrough.
Austria remained compact in defense, while a few Spanish efforts rattled the woodwork. Cucurella also had a goal ruled out for offside during that spell.
ALSO READ: Spain vs Saudi Arabia: Yamal scores first World Cup goal as Spain hammer Saudi Arabia
However, Oyarzabal finally broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, sweeping a low first-time finish into the bottom corner from 12 yards out to score his third goal of the tournament and open the scoring.
The move was crafted down the left flank, whereCucurella collected a sharp pass from Pedri before delivering a pinpoint low cutback into the middle of the penalty area.
Oyarzabal displayed brilliant movement by holding his run to drift away from David Alaba, who attempted to block the effort but slipped as the ball rolled beyond him. That left Oyarzabal with all the space he needed to calmly beat Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager and hand Luis de la Fuente’s men the lead.
The second half was far less eventful as Austria dropped deeper and looked to threaten on the counterattack, while Spain focused on controlling possession and protecting their advantage.
Just six minutes after the hour mark, Porro doubled Spain’s lead with a sensational header.
Dani Olmo’s shot was blocked before the loose ball deflected into Cucurella’s path on the left.
The full-back quickly found Alex Baena, whose excellent volleyed cross was met by Porro, who timed his run into the box perfectly before powering his header beyond Schlager.
Alaba then produced a crucial block to deny Lamine Yamal a goal before the youngster was substituted.
Austria tried to stay in the contest despite the two-goal deficit, but it was n0t long before La Roja wrapped up the victory.
Cucurella once again turned provider, setting up Oyarzabal for his second of the night as the striker clinically finished to seal Spain’s 3-0 triumph.
The victory sent Spain comfortably into the Round of 16 while eliminating Austria from the tournament during their first World Cup appearance in 28 years.
Spain vs Austria – 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32– July 2, 2026
- Spain starting lineup: Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Álex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal.
- Austria starting lineup: Alexander Schlager; Stefan Posch, Kevin Danso, David Alaba, Konrad Laimer; Nicolas Seiwald, Xaver Schlager; Romano Schmid, Paul Wanner, Marcel Sabitzer; Michael Gregoritsch.
Read more about other World Cup teams in 2026 below:
Morocco national football team 2026
Argentina national football team 2026
Mexico national football team 2026
Spain national football team 2026
Brazil national football team 2026
France national football team 2026
Senegal national football team 2026