FIFA 2026: Spain ease into World Cup last 16 with commanding 3-0 win over Austria

INGLEWOOD: Spain booked their place in the World Cup last 16 with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Austria on Thursday, producing another commanding display to strengthen their credentials as one of the tournament favourites.

Forward Mikel Oyarzabal starred with two goals, scoring once in each half, while defender Pedro Porro added the third as Spain comfortably outclassed Austria in their Round of 32 clash.

Oyarzabal opened the scoring after being set up by Marc Cucurella, giving Spain an early advantage as they controlled possession and dictated the tempo throughout the match.

Spain continued to dominate after the break and doubled their lead in the 66th minute when Porro headed home from a cross by Álex Baena.

Oyarzabal then completed his brace later in the match, once again converting a pass from Cucurella to cap a clinical team performance and seal Spain’s passage into the next round.

The victory sends Spain into the last 16, where they will face either Portugal or Croatia on Monday at Dallas Stadium.

Austria, meanwhile, were unable to cope with Spain’s relentless attacking play and exited the tournament in their first World Cup knockout appearance in 44 years.

Spain have impressed throughout the competition with their disciplined defence and fluid attacking football, and Thursday’s comfortable win further underlined their ambitions of lifting the World Cup trophy.