World Cup 2026: Spain Dominates Austria 3-0 to Advance to Last 16

Spain secured their spot in the World Cup last 16 with a convincing 3-0 victory over Austria on Thursday, July 2, 2026, in Los Angeles. The European champions showcased a dominant performance, leaving little room for their opponents to retaliate.

Spain's Impressive Performance

Spain's victory was marked by a standout performance from Mikel Oyarzabal, who scored two goals, alongside a header from Pedro Porro. The match, held at the SoFi Stadium, was a spectacle as Hollywood figures like Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem cheered from the stands.

The Spanish team controlled possession throughout the match, consistently threatening the Austrian defense. They created multiple chances, including a disallowed goal and a free kick that hit the woodwork, highlighting their attacking prowess.

Key Moments of the Match

Spain's first goal came in the 36th minute when Pedri delivered a precise cross to Oyarzabal, who calmly slotted it past the goalkeeper. The team's momentum continued to build, with Lamine Yamal causing problems for the Austrian defenders, particularly from the right flank.

• Goals: Mikel Oyarzabal (2), Pedro Porro (1)
• Disallowed goal: Marc Cucurella
• Free kick off the crossbar: Alex Baena

Austria struggled to mount an effective response, with a rare chance squandered by Stefan Posch, who failed to capitalize on a late-arriving opportunity.

Looking Ahead: Spain's Next Challenge

After the break, Spain maintained their pressure, and in the 66th minute, Pedro Porro added a second goal, nodding in a cross from Baena. Despite Austria introducing two tall strikers, Spain's defense held firm, preventing any significant threats.

As the match drew to a close, Oyarzabal netted his second goal in the 89th minute, confirming Spain's dominance. The victory sets up an exciting round-of-16 clash against either Portugal or Croatia, promising a thrilling encounter.