- 2026 FIFA World Cup: Oyarzabal Brace Powers Spain Past Austria into Last 16
Spain underlined their status as one of the favourites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Austria in their Round of 32 clash at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Thursday.
A clinical brace from Mikel Oyarzabal and a first international goal from Pedro Porro secured a comfortable win for the reigning European champions, who dominated from start to finish to book their place in the Round of 16.
Spain will now face either Portugal national football team or Croatia national football team as they continue their quest for a second World Cup title.
Backed by a vibrant crowd that included Spanish stars Penélope Cruz, Javier Bardem and Rosalía, Spain controlled possession from the opening whistle and repeatedly carved open Austria’s defence with slick passing and intelligent movement.
The Spaniards thought they had taken the lead midway through the first half when Marc Cucurella turned home a corner from Lamine Yamal, but the effort was ruled out after Pau Cubarsí was judged to have impeded Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.
Austria’s goalkeeper continued to keep his side in the contest with an excellent save to deny Oyarzabal, but Spain’s relentless pressure finally paid off in the 36th minute.
Pedri switched play brilliantly to Cucurella on the left, and the full-back delivered a precise cross that Oyarzabal calmly guided beyond Schlager to hand Spain a deserved lead.
Spain continued to dictate proceedings after the break, with teenage sensation Yamal causing constant problems down the right wing. Álex Baena came close with a free-kick that crashed against the crossbar before Yamal’s follow-up effort was brilliantly saved.
Austria attempted to change the momentum by introducing towering forwards Sasa Kalajdzic and Marko Arnautović, but their aerial approach failed to trouble Spain’s composed defence.
Instead, Spain doubled their advantage in the 66th minute when Baena floated an inviting cross into the penalty area and Pedro Porro rose highest to power a header into the net for his maiden international goal.
The European champions never eased off, continuing to move the ball with confidence and precision as chants of “Ole” echoed around the stadium from delighted supporters.
Austria’s veteran defender David Alaba produced a superb goal-line clearance to deny Yamal, but Spain’s third goal eventually arrived just before full time.
Cucurella capped an outstanding performance by delivering another pinpoint cross that found an unmarked Oyarzabal, who calmly slotted home his second goal of the evening to complete an emphatic victory.
