Spain vs Austria summary: score, stats, goals & highlights | 2026 World Cup round of 32

Oyarzabal double sends La Roja into the round of 16

Spain are safely into the round of 16 after a sharp, convincing 3-0 win over Austria in Los Angeles, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring twice and Pedro Porro also on target.

After the doubts created by Spain's opening-game stumble against Cape Verde, Luis de la Fuente’s side now look much more like themselves. They followed up the 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia and victory over Uruguay with another controlled knockout performance, this time against an Austria team that tried to play, tried to press, and eventually ran out of answers.

Austria did have an early warning when Gregoritsch came close to meeting a dangerous cross at the far post, but Spain gradually pushed the game into Austrian territory. Cucurella had a goal controversially ruled out after a corner, but Spain did not lose themselves in the protest. They just played faster.

Oyarzabal eventually got the opener after a brilliant low cross from Cucurella, finishing cleanly past Schlager. Spain could have had more before the break, with Baena hitting the bar from a free-kick and Lamine Yamal denied from close range.

Austria changed things after halftime and briefly threatened through Kalajdzic and Chukwuemeka, but Spain found the second through Porro, who arrived like a centre-forward to smash in Baena’s cross.

Lamine later had an effort cleared off the line by Alaba, before Oyarzabal sealed the win with another superb first-time finish from – who else – Cucurella’s second assist of the night.

Fabián and Marc Pubill, making his World Cup debut, came on late as De la Fuente managed minutes. Job done, and done well.

Spain now wait for Portugal or Croatia (which you can follow live). That will tell us plenty more, but this was a proper step forward.

Full-time

Goals: Oyarzabal 35', 88'; Porro 65'

Peep, peep, peeeeeeeeep!

Full time in Los Angeles: Spain 3-0 Austria.

A statement win from De la Fuente's side, sealed by Oyarzabal’s double and Porro’s second-half finish. Cucurella was superb, Spain looked sharp, and Austria were eventually worn down completely.

Next stop: the round of 16, against either Portugal or Croatia.

Ferran cannot quite get the shot away cleanly. He was forced wider and wider, ran out of space, and his attempted cross-shot ended up soft and off target.

Final changes for Spain.

Fabián and Pubill come on for Pedri and Laporte, with Pubill making his World Cup debut.

Nice moment for him, and sensible from De la Fuente too. The job is done; now it's about managing legs.

Six minutes being added. We'll just be going through the motions though.

Spain have a chance to break with Gavi but no one is running up to join him, so he turns back and possession is kept.

A sign of how this will play out.

Final Austria change: Prass comes on for Posch.

And that's Lamine’s night done too, with Gavi on for the closing minutes.

A well-earned breather for Lamine. No goal, somehow, but he has been a constant problem.

Alaba clears Lamine's effort off the line

Spain inches away from a third.

After some tidy build up, Lamine pounced on a loose ball in the box, spun and fired goalwards, only for Alaba to produce a superb goal-line clearance.

Posch goes into the book

The first yellow card of the match finally arrives after the masked man's foul on Cucurella. It has taken a while, considering the amount of niggle in this second half.

Another mini scare for La Roja as Posch gets up well, but cannot direct the header.

The Austrian full-back met the cross well, though Cucurella seemed to do enough to put him off and the effort drifted wide.

That was a real chance for Ferran.

He received it right in the heart of the box, but instead of taking on the shot, he tried to square it for Pedri.

The pass came up short. Lovely idea, but sometimes the selfish option is the correct one.

Austria finally put together a lovely move, ending with Chukwuemeka having a go.

A slick one-touch passing sequence opened up space for him inside the box, but his shot was under pressure and never looked like troubling Simón.

A reminder that Austria can still produce moments, even if Spain remain firmly in control.

Lamine's corner finds Ferran in the middle, but the angle was awkward and the header looped over the bar.

Austria briefly appealed for a spot-kick after Arnautovic tangled with Cubarsí in the box.

The problem? Even Arnautovic barely bothered asking for it. Play on was the only outcome that ever looked likely.

Small flare-up between Grillitsch and Pedri but Nyberg steps in quickly and tells both to move on, with Rodri and Alaba getting involved as the sensible adults in the room.

Nothing major, but the game is getting a little spikier now. A third would kill this off as a contest.

Danso stood his ground as Ferran tried to wriggle past him along the byline, but the Austrian centre-back used his body well and simply eased him away from danger.

First changes for De la Fuente.

Ferran and Merino come on for Olmo and Baena, with Spain now in game-management mode after that second goal.

Useful fresh legs, and also a fair reward for two very good shifts from the players going off.

We're back for the final part of the game... unless the Austrians have been keeping something really well hidden up their mountain sleeves.

Goal celebrations end with a hydration break.

Sore one for Arnautovic. He arrived late to a loose ball with Simón and took the worst of the collision, catching a blow to the head.

Austria have gone bigger up front, but that comes with a bit of heavy traffic. Spain will hope he's fine – and also not too fine.

Kalajdzic close

Well, that did not take long.

Kalajdzic has only just come on and he's already had a huge chance, meeting Sabitzer’s cross with a header that flew just over the bar.

That is exactly why Rangnick made the change.

Austria roll the dice again.

Arnautovic and Kalajdzic are on for Gregoritsch and Schmid, so Rangnick is clearly adding more presence up front.

Spain will need to deal with a different kind of threat now.

Good reading from Simón. Laimer drilled a low cross into the area looking for Gregoritsch, but Simón was sharp off his line and claimed it before Austria could get a touch.

Spain do not need chaos now.

Nyberg has now had a word with De la Fuente on the touchline.

The Spain coach was asking for a yellow after Posch arrived late on Baena, but the referee was not interested in the lobbying. Everyone is getting the “calm down” treatment tonight. Where's a Scouser when you need one?

Rodri had a go from the edge of the box. The effort lacked a bit of power, but it took a deflection off an Austrian shirt and drifted just wide of the post.

Schlager looked relieved more than anything. Sometimes those are the ones that sneak in. Good call from the midfielder as a pass looked more likely to the defence.

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Good from Pedri in recovery.

Wanner was starting to move into space on the counter, but Pedri got a foot in and killed the break before it became a problem.

Oyarzabal got in the way of Olmo there.

Spain had clearly worked the corner routine, with Baena's delivery aimed for Olmo’s volley at the far post, but Oyarzabal attacked it first and headed over.

Good move, slightly less good traffic management.

Another opening for Oyarzabal.

He found space on the edge of the box, but his left-footed effort lacked both power and placement, making it a comfortable save for Schlager. Yamal ain't happy that he wasn't slid in.

The chances keep coming. Spain just need a little more conviction with the finish.

Spain tried the short routine from the wide free-kick, but Lamine ended up fouling Sabitzer as he tried to wriggle past him inside the box.

Nice idea, slightly too much enthusiasm.

Porro was caught by Laimer and Chukwuemeka, and Spain now have a good chance to load the box early in the second half. Let's see what they try...

And we are go for the second half.

Austria make a double switch before the second half.

Chukwuemeka and Grillitsch are on for Seiwald and Xaver Schlager as Rangnick looks for a way back into the game.

No surprise to see Austria change things. Spain finished the first half firmly on top.

Unai Simón makes World Cup history

He's done it!

The Spain goalkeeper has now gone 477 consecutive World Cup minutes without conceding, moving past Iker Casillas's mark of 476 to set a new national record.

It's another reminder that Spain's impressive defensive run hasn't just been about the back four – Simón has been there whenever he's been needed. Now the next target comes into view:

Walter Zenga's all-time World Cup record...517.

Spain take control after turning frustration into football

Halftime in Los Angeles, and Spain lead Austria 1-0 after a first half that became increasingly one-way.

Austria started bravely and had one big early warning when Gregoritsch was inches from reaching a dangerous cross at the far post, but Spain gradually pushed the game into Austrian territory. At one stage, only Laporte and Cubarsí were averaging positions in Spain's own half, which says plenty.

There was controversy when Cucurella had a goal ruled out for an apparent foul on Schlager after smashing in a loose ball from a corner. Spanish players were angry, understandably, but they responded in the best way possible: more football, more pressure, sharper teeth.

Schlager then produced superb saves from Lamine and Oyarzabal, before Cucurella finally picked out Oyarzabal with a brilliant low cross. This time, the finish was perfect and Spain had the lead.

Baena later rattled the crossbar with a free-kick, and Lamine was immediately then denied from close range on the rebound.

Spain deserve the lead. Austria are still alive, but only just.

Halftime

Goals: Oyarzabal 35'

And the whistle blows for halftime.

Lamine denied from point-blank range

Spain almost had the second immediately.

After Baena's free-kick crashed back off the bar, Lamine pounced on the rebound and hit a powerful left-footed shot from close range, but it slammed into Schlager.

Austria are hanging on here. Only just.

Baena rattles the crossbar!

So close to a stunner.

Baena stepped up from long range and whipped a free-kick that crashed against the crossbar. Schlager was beaten all ends up.

That would have been one of the goals of the tournament. Spain are getting closer and closer to a second.

Looks like we've got 4 added on minutes.

Olmo is putting in a real shift defensively.

For the second time in quick succession, he tracked back to snuff out the danger, this time stopping Laimer's burst into the box.

Those are the kind of recoveries teammates remember.

Good recovery from Olmo.

Pedri lost it in a dangerous area and Xaver Schlager immediately tried to launch Austria forward, but Olmo read it and got back to stop the transition.

Not pretty, not headline-grabbing, but very useful. Spain have to keep killing those breaks early.

Austria with a rare break and make it to the edge of Simon's area, but as the masked Posch pondered creating something, Rodri steps in and robs them of the ball.

Solid from the City midfielder, and exactly what I tried to describe in the build up.

Good defensive work from Lamine there.

He tucked in alongside Porro and helped shut down what was threatening to become a dangerous Austrian counter. Not the glamorous bit of his game, but exactly the kind of detail Spain need now they're ahead.

Spain have responded exactly the right way to the frustration of having Cucurella's goal ruled out.

Instead of getting caught up in the protests, they've simply played more football. The press has become even more aggressive, only a brilliant save denied Oyarzabal moments before the breakthrough, and the pitch has felt increasingly tilted towards the Austrian goal.

The lead is richly deserved, both for the game plan and the performance.

Lamine wanted one of his own straight away.

He drifted into space on the edge of the box, chopped inside and hit it right-footed, but Schlager got behind it and held on.

Spain have the lead now, but they are not exactly in “let's protect this quietly” mode.

Alaba tried to finish the move himself with a long-range left-footed strike, but it flew well over.

That one was heading for the upper rows. Austria get a rare look, but not the shot to match.

Schlager again. What a stop.

Oyarzabal drilled a low left-footed shot across goal, bouncing awkwardly, and the Austria keeper got down brilliantly to push it away.

Spain are knocking now. Quite loudly, actually.

What a run from Lamine.

He wriggled along the byline, somehow found room where there really wasn't any, and fired a left-footed shot from almost no angle.

Schlager got a crucial arm to it. Huge save, because that was very close to being a ridiculous goal.

Cucurella goal ruled out

Huge controversy.

Cucurella smashed in a loose ball after a corner, catching it brilliantly on his left foot, but Nyberg has ruled it out for an apparent foul on Schlager.

Spain are furious, and you can see why. It's not being overturned. Lucky Austria, would be my assessment.

Olmo almost wriggles through

Brilliant turn from Olmo, who spun away beautifully on the half-turn and looked ready to get the shot away.

But Posch came across with a crucial block just in time. That was danger for Austria, and the kind of little movement between the lines that makes Olmo so awkward to track.

Lovely no-look pass from Lamine to send Porro all the way to the byline, but the cross was miles too deep.

Spain did the hard part beautifully, then sent the delivery somewhere near departures.

Back underway in Los Angeles.

Spain restart with a throw-in for Cucurella. We'll see whether De la Fuente’s cooling-break chat has done the trick. These pauses are annoying, yes, but they do give managers a free mini team talk.

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How do hydration breaks work during the 2026 World Cup and how long do they last?

Knock, knock

Who's there?

interrupting break

Interrupting brea.. BOOO! 

Learn more about those pesky pauses

Cooling break in Los Angeles, and the crowd greets it with boos.

That has become a familiar little soundtrack at this World Cup. Sometimes necessary for the players, deeply irritating for fans who were just settling into the rhythm. Football's version of someone pausing a film to explain the plot.

Porro spotted the run from Lamine and tried to thread another ball into the space behind Austria's defense.

The idea was right, but the pass had just too much weight on it and rolled through comfortably for Schlager. Spain are finding those runs... they just need the final ball to match them.

Yamal was left a little too isolated on the right.

Austria doubled up on Spain's No. 19, and although he managed to shake off the first defender, Marcel Sabitzer arrived quickly with the cover. Good defending from Austria, but Spain needed someone closer to offer him a way out.

Even players like Lamine need a passing lane. Football remains annoyingly communal like that.

Spain's love of the ball is pushing them higher and higher.

After 20 minutes, only the two center-backs – Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsí - have average positions inside Spain's own half. Everyone else is camped across the halfway line, which tells you plenty about Luis de la Fuente’s plan.

Spain are not just having possession. They are trying to play the game almost entirely in Austria’s half. Risky, yes. But very Spanish.

Spain tried to release Yamal with a clever through ball into the box, but Wanner tracked back well and got there first.

A really important piece of defensive work from the Austria midfielder to snuff out the danger before it developed.

Porro tried the diagonal delivery from the right, looking to pick out Olmo, but there was too much on it.

The cross floated straight into Alexander Schlager's hands. Nice idea, wrong address.

Gregoritsch close

Huge chance for Michael Gregoritsch.

The cross flashed across the face of goal and was almost perfect for the Austria striker at the far post. It looked close enough to brush his hair, and he had made fine space.

That is the first serious warning for Spain. Austria have been growing into this, and that was not theoretical danger. That was very real.

Austria are enjoying their best spell of possession so far, refusing to simply sit back and let Spain dictate everything.

It's exactly what Ralf Rangnick wanted from his side. The question now is whether they can turn that control into chances, because Spain rarely mind opponents having the ball if it isn't hurting them.

A brief scare for Spain as Oyarzabal stayed down after taking a blow to the face in a challenge with Alaba.

The striker is fine to continue, while Nyberg once again had a few words for the Austria captain. The Swedish referee has been quick to stamp his authority on the game in these opening stages.

Cucurella gets an early warning

Glenn Nyberg has already told Marc Cucurella to calm down after the Spain left-back protested a foul call to one of the assistants.

Nothing dramatic, but an early reminder that the referee is watching the temperature as much as the tackles.

Lamine style

You'll be pleased to know he changed before kick off.

Spain settling more now. Austria are potentially being forced to sit back a little more. But they're also ready to pounce and move forward on any mistake, as we've just seen with a slack pass out wide.

Austria want to play, and that might actually suit Spain.

I know that sounds odd, because most opponents trying to play against Spain eventually discover the ball has developed strong personal loyalties elsewhere. But Austria's willingness to build means there are chances to steal it high, and Spain have already forced a couple of recoveries in the Austrian half.

Yamal and Olmo have looked especially sharp in the press, jumping quickly when the pass is there to attack. Spain don’t just want possession tonight. They want possession after a bite.

Corner cleared by the big defenders and danger gone... for the moment.

Right on minute 7 and Yamal is in his familiar right wing position causing problems. He fires across a ball to the penalty spot where Olmo meets it on the volley.

Seemed to catch it cleanly but there were too many bodies in front of him and it doesn't reach the Austria goal. Corner.

Best chance opens up for La Roja and it was Yamal, again central, who had green space in front of Baena to feed. The ball was slightly short and the advantage quickly lost. Gregoritsch did well.

It's certainly a lively start. Back and forth up the field with hints of a threat but defenders coming out on top when it matters.

The crowd also seems to be really up for this, as you'd expect.

Spain get things going, playing from left to right from my vantage position.

Austria get the ball back and get the first cross of any danger into the box but the red shirts then burst away at speed, ending in a shot from distance by Yamal.

Schlager saves comfortably... but first warning.

Peeeeeeep!!! We're off

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Who is Glenn Nyberg, the referee for Spain vs Austria in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup?

Today's referee is Sweden’s Glenn Nyberg, so Spain and Austria have a different kind of pressing issue to work out early: how much contact he’s going to allow.

That matters in this game. Austria will want rhythm broken, duels contested and Spain made uncomfortable. Spain, meanwhile, will want the ball moving cleanly without every midfield exchange turning into a small wrestling convention.

Nyberg is an experienced UEFA official, but the opening 15 minutes should tell us plenty. If he lets the game breathe, Austria may feel encouraged to get tight. If he calls the little fouls, Spain will probably thank him with several thousand short passes.

Austria's starting XI and subs

Spain's starting XI and subs

Let's have another check of those starting line ups...

Mountains and rivers

Austria's players stand together for “Land der Berge, Land am Strome” (“Land of Mountains, Land by the River”), a national anthem adopted in 1947 in the years after the Second World War.

It's a fitting soundtrack for a country defined by the Alps, and if you listen closely, you'll hear a melody that builds rather than bursts – much like the team Rangnick has assembled.

No grand theatrics, just a quiet confidence before what is arguably Austria's biggest World Cup game in a generation.

SOCCER

Why doesn’t the Spanish national anthem have any lyrics? What other countries only have music?

As the Spanish anthem begins, you're maybe wondering why none of the players are singing along.

Unpatriotic? No chance.

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The players are in the tunnel and the huge flags are already on the field.

Wait! They really are massive banners. If only someone had written about them... 

Spain should not chase perfection

You've heard the phrase, ‘Don't let perfection be the enemy of the good’. Well, one trap I have seen before for Spain (very much related to my previous post): trying to make every attack beautiful.

Knockout games are not art galleries. You are allowed to score ugly goals. In fact, it is encouraged. Very practical, ugly goals have won many tournaments and asked for no applause afterward.

Against Austria, Spain may need patience, but not preciousness.

Shoot when the shot is there. Attack second balls. Force rebounds. Make the goalkeeper work. Do not spend every move searching for the perfect final pass with a tiny handwritten note attached.

Spain at their best are elegant.

But elegance should never get in the way of efficiency.

When did Spain last win a World Cup knockout tie?

It's a statistic that sounds wrong until you think about it.

Spain won the World Cup in South Africa, beating Portugal, Paraguay, Germany and the Netherlands along the way. Since then?

Group-stage elimination in Brazil. Defeat on penalties to hosts Russia. Defeat on penalties to Morocco.

This generation isn't carrying the weight of 2010. It's carrying the absence of it. Tonight is an opportunity to finally move that conversation on.

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Borja Iglesias is still carrying that camera

One of my favourite little World Cup subplots continues.

Borja Iglesias promised before the tournament that one of the first things he'd pack was his camera. He wasn't joking.

This evening he was spotted photographing Lamine Yamal as Spain walked out to inspect the SoFi Stadium pitch.

Every squad needs someone to document the journey. Spain's happens to be their reserve striker.

Spain's most valuable player is totally who you think

Transfermarkt values this Spain starting XI at around $750 million.

Lamine Yamal accounts for $220 million of that on his own. Pedri isn't far behind at $170 million.

Austria's entire starting XI, meanwhile, comes in at roughly $150 million.

None of that wins football matches, of course. If it did, we'd simply hand trophies out in spreadsheet form every June. But it does underline the depth of talent De la Fuente has at his disposal.

Unai Simón closing in on Spanish history

Strikers usually dominate the headlines before knockout games. Goalkeepers tend to creep into them later.

Unai Simón begins tonight just 48 minutes away from breaking Iker Casillas' Spain record for consecutive minutes without conceding at a World Cup. Keep another clean sheet and he'll also edge closer to Walter Zenga's all-time tournament mark.

The irony, of course, is that if Simón does his job perfectly, most people won't talk about him at all. That's usually how goalkeeping works.

Yamal-Cubarsi follow Pelé-Altafini

Watching Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí stroll out for the warm-up, it's easy to forget quite how unusual this is.

They're the first pair of teenagers to start a World Cup knockout match for the same country in 68 years. The last? Pelé and José Altafini for Brazil against Wales at the 1958 World Cup.

Spain aren't asking these two to enjoy the experience. They're asking them to control one flank, build attacks under pressure and help carry a nation's hopes.

Not bad for a couple of teenagers.

Spain’s bench may matter later

Even without the injured Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino, Spain have plenty of ways to change a game.

Mikel Merino offers more physicality in midfield. Fabián Ruiz can slow the tempo or speed it up with his passing. Ferran Torres remains the obvious attacking option if Spain need a goal, while Gavi brings energy and bite if the contest becomes scrappy.

That's one of the reasons Spain are among the tournament favourites.

De la Fuente doesn't have to change the way his team plays when he turns to the bench – he can simply alter the emphasis. More control, more direct running, more pressing, or more composure. Against an Austria side expected to expend huge amounts of energy without the ball, those fresh legs could become increasingly important after the hour mark.

I actually think the starting XI will mean the bench is just to give stars a break. But I've been wrong before.

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Messi or Mbappé? Who are the all-time top goalscorers at the World Cup? Full list

I don't know if you've noticed, but the World Cup scoring race has become absurdly good.

As things stand, Lionel Messi leads the all-time list with 19 goals. Kylian Mbappé is one behind on 18 after his brace against Sweden in France's Round of 32 win. One goal. That’s it.

Miroslav Klose’s old record of 16 felt enormous for years. Now Messi has passed it, Mbappé has basically jogged up beside it, waved, and carried on.

The wild part is the contrast. Messi has built his total across six World Cups, a career’s worth of tournament memory. Mbappé has reached 18 in just three editions, which is frankly indecent behavior.

Both are still alive in the tournament too, so this isn’t museum talk yet. The leaderboard may need updating again very soon.

Dani Olmo is back between the lines

Olmo gives Spain something very specific.

He naturally lives in awkward spaces. Not fully a midfielder. Not fully a forward. Often exactly where defenders would prefer nobody to be.

Against a pressing side, those pockets can be gold.

If Austria jump high, Olmo can receive behind the first wave. If they retreat, he can combine around the box. If defenders follow him, he drags shape out of place.

Spain have lots of passers. Olmo gives them a different sort of problem-maker.

He is not always the loudest player in the game. But between the lines, quiet can be deadly.

One for the Irish out there

OptaJoe has provided one little numerical quirk that caught my eye before kickoff. Just 40 mins to go!

Tonight is Spain's 33rd match at the FIFA World Cup. It also happens to be Luis de la Fuente's 33rd game in charge of the national team in all competitions. Whether you're superstitious or not, football has always had a soft spot for these neat little coincidences.

Austria, meanwhile, arrive after one of the most entertaining games of the group stage, a breathless 3-3 draw with Algeria. If that match showed anything, it's that Rangnick's side won't panic if this game becomes open. They'd probably quite enjoy it.

Spain’s counterpress may be the real key

Everyone talks about what Spain do with the ball. Fair enough. It is usually the most visible part of the show.

But against Austria, the moments after losing possession may be just as important.

Austria will want quick attacks into space. Spain need to kill those moves early, preferably before they become something that makes Simón takes his place on the highlights reel.

The counterpress is not glamorous. It is football housekeeping. But it keeps the whole structure clean.

Against Uruguay, Spain had to show more discipline and edge than they did in the Saudi Arabia win. That matters tonight, because Austria are more capable of turning transition moments into actual damage.

Laimer’s position is worth watching

Konrad Laimer starts in Austria's XI, and wherever he settles out of possession could tell us a lot about Rangnick’s plan.

On paper, Austria have enough legs in that side to make Spain work for every clean angle. Laimer, Seiwald, Xaver Schlager and Sabitzer are not exactly built for standing still and politely admiring midfield triangles.

The question is how aggressively Austria jump.

If Laimer pushes high, Austria may try to squeeze La Roja's buildup on one side and force risky passes. If he holds deeper, it suggests more caution and a clearer focus on denying Lamine Yamal and Porro space down Spain’s right.

Either way, Spain will test that side early. They usually do. And I'll have my eye on the heat map.

Austria’s press will test Spain’s first pass

The first pass out from the back could tell us a lot tonight.

Austria are not likely going to stand back and let Spain carry the ball into midfield like they're entering a hotel lobby. Rangnick’s side will want to press, trap and force hurried decisions.

That immediately puts pressure on Unai Simón, Cubarsí, Laporte, Porro and Cucurella.

Spain are comfortable building short, but Austria’s job is to make comfort feel dangerous. If Spain beat the first wave, there should be space. If they don’t, Austria will fancy pinching the ball high and turning the game into a small fire.

This is where knockout football becomes less about philosophy and more about the first three touches.

World Cup 2026

2026 World Cup standings today (July 2): Results, scores, Round of 16 updated

Stepping back from today's games, the following teams have now officially advanced:

Canada (def. South Africa 1-0) 

Brazil (def. Japan 2-1) 

Paraguay (def. Germany on penalties) 

Morocco (def. Netherlands on penalties) 

Norway (def. Ivory Coast 2-1) 

France (def. Sweden 3-0) 

Mexico (def. Ecuador 2-0) 

England (def. DR Congo 2-1) 

Belgium (def. Senegal 3-2, AET) 

USA (def. Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0)

Spain-Austria and Portugal-Croatia will make it 12 of the last 16 known...

Oyarzabal has earned the jersey

Mikel Oyarzabal starts again, and I don't think there's much mystery there.

He gave Spain exactly what they needed against Saudi Arabia: goals, movement, timing and a forward who understood the little combinations around him. Against Uruguay, he remained part of a team that did the job and finished top of the group.

He is not Spain’s most spectacular attacker. That is not the point.

With this team, the striker has to press, connect, make space and then arrive coldly when the chance appears. Spain do not always need a battering ram. They need someone who knows where the ball is going to be before it gets there.

Oyarzabal has made the position feel settled. That matters more in knockout football than people sometimes admit.

Porro and Olmo are back, which tells us plenty

Spain's XI is interesting because it is not simply the team that beat Uruguay.

De la Fuente has gone back towards the side that clicked so well against Saudi Arabia, bringing Pedro Porro and Dani Olmo back in after Marcos Llorente and Mikel Merino started in the final group game.

That feels like a statement without the need for a microphone.

Spain handled Uruguay, finished top of the group and got here in decent shape. But tonight, in a knockout game, De la Fuente wants the attacking rhythm, width and speed of circulation that made Spain look so much sharper in their second match.

Porro gives drive from right-back. Olmo gives movement between the lines.

Austria have been warned.

Alaba gives Austria authority, and they’ll need every ounce of it

David Alaba starts for Austria, which feels significant before a game like this.

Not just because of the quality, although that obviously helps, but because Austria are going to need calm in some very unglamorous moments tonight. The defensive distances. The moments after Spain have kept the ball for a full minute and everyone's legs start suggesting bad ideas. The temptation to jump when the smarter move is to hold.

Alaba has played enough elite football to know that games against Spain are often mental before they are tactical.

You cannot chase everything. You cannot admire anything. You choose your moments.

And if Austria are going to make this awkward, those moments have to be chosen almost perfectly.

Austria without Mwene changes the flank equation

As you've just seen, Austria are without Phillipp Mwene, which matters because Spain's width is already one of the key battlegrounds.

This has affected how Rangnick manages the side of the pitch where Yamal operates. Austria need bodies there, but they also cannot empty the middle just to chase Spain’s teenager around like a lost umbrella in a storm.

Spain will know that.

We know that Lamine starts, so expect early switches to him. Not always to attack immediately, but to test Austria’s spacing and see who gets dragged where.

Sometimes the first 15 minutes are not about creating chances.

They are about checking which door squeaks.

Austria's starting XI – Rangnick shares his picks

And it's in...

Austria line up with Alexander Schlager in goal behind a defence of Stefan Posch, Kevin Danso, David Alaba and Konrad Laimer. Nicolas Seiwald and Xaver Schlager anchor the midfield, with Marcel Sabitzer, Paul Wanner and Romano Schmid supporting lone striker Michael Gregoritsch.

It's an experienced, energetic side that reflects exactly what Rangnick wants: intensity, pressing and plenty of running power. Alaba returns to marshal the defence, Sabitzer is the creative heartbeat, and Gregoritsch will be tasked with turning limited opportunities into genuine chances against one of the tournament favourites.

Austria XI vs Spain: Alexander Schlager; Stefan Posch, Kevin Danso, David Alaba, Konrad Laimer; Nicolas Seiwald, Xaver Schlager; Marcel Sabitzer, Paul Wanner, Romano Schmid; Michael Gregoritsch.

Rodri gives Spain their adult in the room

Every tournament team needs someone who can look at a game that is starting to wobble and quietly tell it to behave.

For Spain, that is Rodri.

He gives structure, timing, cover, calm and the slightly irritating sense that he has already watched this match before and knows where everyone should stand. Man City have enjoyed these attributes too.

Austria will try to make Spain uncomfortable. Rodri is the player most likely to stop discomfort becoming disorder.

He does not need to dominate the highlights. He needs to control the temperature.

And few midfielders in the world are better at deciding whether a game should speed up, slow down or simply stop being silly.

Pedri against pressure is one of the game’s quiet joys

If Austria press high, Pedri becomes even more important.

Some midfielders escape pressure by running away from it. Pedri often escapes by pretending it is not there.

The body shape, the little turn, the pass released just before the challenge arrives – it all looks calm, almost annoyingly so if you've ever tried it in the amateur leagues. Like someone unshakeingly filling in a crossword during turbulence.

Spain will likely need that.

Austria want to make midfield frantic. Pedri's job is to make frantic look unnecessary.

If Spain are clean through the middle early, watch him. He may not play the spectacular pass every time, but he can turn pressure into space with one touch.

That is a serious weapon.

World Cup 2026

Spain's World Cup projected path: Fixture list and route to the World Cup final

The winner of Spain vs Austria faces Portugal or Croatia in the Round of 16.

That is not something Spain will want to spend all afternoon discussing. “One game at a time” exists for a reason, mostly to stop footballers accidentally creating headlines.

But the bracket is there.

And it is not exactly offering a holiday.

Portugal would bring star power and control. Croatia would bring experience, stubbornness and the general energy of a team that refuses to leave tournaments at a sensible hour.

So Spain have Austria first.

Then, if they get through, the road immediately gets sharper.

World Cup 2026

Lamine Yamal full name explained: why Yamal is not his surname

One of my favourite Spain discoveries has nothing to do with tactics or transfers.

If you've always assumed Lamine is his first name and Yamal his surname... you're not alone. But that's not actually how it works.

Spain's teenage star follows Spanish naming customs, yet “Yamal” isn't one of his family names at all. His full name is Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana, and there's a genuinely touching reason why “Lamine Yamal” appears together on the back of his shirt.

It's a lovely story that starts long before Barcelona, Spain or the Ballon d'Or conversations... and our Roddy explains all.

Spain's XI is in – and De la Fuente returns to the team that clicked

Luis de la Fuente has gone back to the lineup that produced Spain's best performance of the tournament, recalling Pedro Porro and Dani Olmo after both dropped to the bench for the final group-stage win over Uruguay.

That means Unai Simón starts behind a back four of Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella. Rodri anchors the midfield alongside Pedri and Dani Olmo, while Lamine Yamal and Álex Baena support Mikel Oyarzabal in attack.

The message is pretty clear. Spain negotiated the Uruguay game to finish top of Group H, but when it comes to the knockout rounds, De la Fuente has reverted to the XI that swept Saudi Arabia aside and produced La Roja's most fluid football of the tournament.

Spain XI vs Austria: Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri (c), Dani Olmo, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Álex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal.

Austria are back on familiar ground after a long wait

Austria may not carry the World Cup pedigree of Spain, but this is hardly an anonymous football nation. They reached the semifinals in 1934 and finished third in 1954, still their best showing on the biggest stage.

Then came a long stretch of frustration. Austria qualified for just three World Cups between 1958 and 1998 and disappeared from the tournament altogether after France '98. This is their first appearance in 28 years... in part thanks to FIFA's expansion.

That absence makes this run feel different. There isn't the weight of expectation that follows traditional heavyweights. Instead, Austria have arrived with the quiet confidence of a side that has steadily improved under Rangnick and believes it belongs here.

History says Spain should progress. Austria will point out that history has very little influence once the referee blows the whistle.

Spain have been practicing penalties

Spain have reportedly practiced penalties on consecutive days before this game.

That sounds like a tiny detail until you remember Spain's relationship with knockout football and penalty shootouts, which has occasionally had the warmth of a tax inspection.

This does not mean Spain expect penalties. It means they are behaving like a serious tournament team.

And at this stage, that matters.

Knockout games can be decided by 120 minutes of tactical detail and then one player walking from the halfway line trying not to think about every bad thing that has ever happened to him.

Penalty practice is not filler.

It is insurance. But there are never any guarantees.

Lamine Yamal is the obvious problem...

...which does not make him easy to solve!

Rangnick has been pretty clear on Austria's biggest defensive issue: Lamine Yamal cannot be allowed space.

This is sensible. It is also roughly like saying your plan for surviving a thunderstorm is not to get wet.

Everyone knows Lamine is dangerous. The problem is how many different ways he can be dangerous. Stay tight and he can roll inside. Drop off and he can pick the pass. Double up and Spain may find the spare man elsewhere. It's not like he's the only one with some talent in them boots.

That is the hard part.

Austria will almost certainly try to make him receive under pressure, facing backwards or near the touchline. Spain will try to isolate him against one defender and let the fun begin.

World Cup 2026

Austria at the 2026 World Cup: roster, list, players, group stage schedule and results

Austria are not the sort of opponent who arrive, admire Spain's passing and politely wait to be moved around.

Ralf Rangnick teams tend to be annoying in a very specific way. They press, squeeze, chase, jump, swarm and generally behave like someone has hidden their car keys inside the opposition midfield.

That could make this awkward for Spain.

La Roja want rhythm. Austria want disruption. Spain want the ball to move with clean angles and elegant little pauses. Austria want the game played with elbows, sprints and decisions made slightly too quickly.

Austria know they're facing one of the top world teams. But they could also be dangerous in a way Spain will absolutely have to respect.

LA welcomes Spain

Look at this stadium! Impressive venue for any sporting occasion (OK, maybe not water polo!)

All it needs now is the noise in the stands.

World Cup 2026

Spain starting lineup vs Austria: Luis de la Fuente’s XI for the World Cup round of 32 game

Trying to predict a Luis de la Fuente XI at this World Cup has become a little like trying to guess what someone is going to order at a restaurant when they keep saying “I'll see how I feel.”

Spain have changed shape, personnel and rhythm from game to game. The obvious team is there: Unai Simón, Cubarsí, Laporte, Rodri, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Oyarzabal. But obvious has not always been De la Fuente’s preferred lane.

The Saudi Arabia win made things more interesting, not less. Baena impressed. Pedro Porro gave Spain energy. Cucurella scored. Oyarzabal looked sharp.

So yes, there is a logical XI. Whether De la Fuente uses it is another matter entirely. Obviously as soon as he tells the FIFA waiter what he desires, I'll share it with you.

Spain vs Austria: welcome

Hello and a very warm welcome to Inglewood wherever you are around the globe. I'm going to be bringing you all the action as it happens from the Los Angeles Stadium as we see another encounter between two European teams at the 2026 World Cup.

Spain come into this as clear favorites but Austria have already shown moments in the group stage that they can be a menace. I'm certainly looking forward to seeing how the two styles adapt to the occasion so let's get building up to kick off...