Pegged as one of the favourites to lift the FIFA World Cup 2026, reigning European champions Spain lived up to their billing with a commanding 3-0 victory over Austria in their Round of 32 clash at the Los Angeles Stadium on Thursday, July 2. Mikel Oyarzabal struck twice while Pedro Porro added his maiden international goal as Luis de la Fuente’s side comfortably secured their place in the last 16.
FIFA World Cup 2026, Spain vs Austria: Highlights
Spain dominated proceedings from start to finish, overwhelming Austria with their slick passing, relentless pressing and attacking intent. They finished the contest with 23 shots, including 10 on target, and an expected goals (xG) tally of 2.84, while Austria managed just five attempts without testing the goalkeeper.
SPAIN SALSA AROUND AUSTRIA
Spain seized control from the opening whistle, dictating possession and repeatedly stretching Austria’s defence through the lively Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena. Marc Cucurella was equally influential down the left, constantly combining with Baena to create dangerous opportunities.
Aymeric Laporte came close with a header from a corner, while Dani Olmo and Oyarzabal kept goalkeeper Alexander Schlager busy with a series of efforts. Schlager proved to be Austria’s standout performer in the opening half, producing several important saves to keep his side in the contest.
Austria struggled to build any sustained attacks, although they nearly caught Spain out when Michael Gregoritsch narrowly failed to connect with a teasing cross from the left. Despite that brief scare, Ralf Rangnick’s men spent long periods pinned inside their own half as Spain continued to pile on the pressure.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 36th minute. Pedri burst through midfield before releasing Cucurella down the left. The full-back delivered a precise low cross into the six-yard box, where Oyarzabal arrived at the perfect moment to steer the ball past Schlager from close range.
Spain nearly doubled their advantage before the interval. Baena’s curling free-kick from 25-yards out, crashed against the woodwork before Schlager produced another outstanding save to deny Yamal from point-blank range, ensuring Austria trailed by just one goal at half-time.
PORRO AND OYARZABAL SEAL DOMINANT WIN
Austria emerged after the break with greater intent and almost found an equaliser through substitute Sasa Kalajdzic, who headed Marcel Sabitzer’s inviting cross narrowly over the crossbar shortly after coming on.
That missed opportunity proved costly.
Spain doubled their lead in the 66th minute after Cucurella once again sparked the move. Winning possession high up the pitch, the left-back fed Baena, whose inviting cut-back was met by Pedro Porro. The Tottenham full-back powered his header beyond the helpless Schlager to score his first goal for Spain and all but end Austria’s hopes.
The European champions continued to attack in search of more goals. Yamal thought he had added his name to the scoresheet, only for David Alaba to produce a superb goal-line clearance to deny the teenage winger.
Oyarzabal eventually got the second goal his performance deserved in the 89th minute. Cucurella threaded another excellent pass into the box, allowing the Real Sociedad forward to calmly slot his finish into the bottom-right corner and complete Spain’s emphatic victory.
The 3-0 scoreline accurately reflected Spain’s dominance as they comfortably advanced to the Round of 16 without ever looking troubled.
Luis de la Fuente’s side will now face either Portugal or Croatia in Dallas as they continue their pursuit of a second World Cup title.
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