Spain booked their place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA 2026 World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Austria in Los Angeles, as Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice and Pedro Porro added another in a one-sided Round of 32 contest.
The European champions produced another polished display, dominating possession and carving open Austria’s defence with ease to set up a mouth-watering last-16 clash against either Portugal or Croatia.
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Played before a packed crowd at SoFi Stadium, the match attracted a host of celebrities, including Spanish actors Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem, as well as singer Rosalía, who watched Spain continue their impressive march through the tournament.
Spain controlled proceedings from the opening whistle, gradually increasing the pressure before finally breaking the deadlock in the 36th minute.
Marc Cucurella initially thought he had opened the scoring from a Lamine Yamal corner, but the effort was ruled out after Pau Cubarsí was adjudged to have impeded Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.
Schlager then produced an outstanding save to deny Oyarzabal, but he could do little moments later when Pedri released Cucurella down the left. The Chelsea full-back delivered a pinpoint cross for Oyarzabal, who calmly side-footed home to give Spain a deserved lead.
Luis de la Fuente’s side continued to dictate the tempo after the break, with teenage sensation Yamal tormenting Austria’s defence from the right wing.
Spain came close to extending their advantage when Alex Baena’s free-kick crashed against the crossbar before Yamal’s rebound was brilliantly saved by Schlager.
Spain eventually put the contest beyond doubt with two more goals, as Pedro Porro found the net before Oyarzabal completed his brace to seal a convincing victory.
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