World Cup 2026: Spain cruise into last 16 with win over Austria

Mikel Oyarzabal scored his third and fourth goals of the World Cup and Spain eased into the last 16 with a 3-0 victory over Austria on Thursday afternoon in Inglewood, Calif. Pedro Porro added his first-ever goal for Spain after halftime, a header that, for all intents and purposes, ensured victory against an opponent that rarely threatened.The European champions controlled possession and sliced through the Austrian defense in a typically dominant performance in Los Angeles, as Hollywood stars Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem and singer Rosalia cheered on.

Cool. Calm. Cristiano.#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/e4F4zEe9Uj

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 2, 2026

The SoFi Stadium was a sea of red and excitement was sky-high over the first visit by a bona fide World Cup favorite to America's second city. Spain ratcheted up the pressure gradually through the first half, creating a string of chances after the first hydration break. Spain’s 18-year-old star Lamine Yamal played 85 minutes in his longest outing since mid-April following a hamstring tear that ended his club season early.
Austria remain in search of their first knockout stage World Cup victory since their third-place finish in 1954. They last advanced beyond the initial group stage in 1982, when there was a second group phase before the semifinals and finals. The win -- which could have been by a greater margin, with a disallowed goal and a free kick off the woodwork -- sets up a tantalizing round-of-16 clash with either Portugal or Croatia.