World Cup 2026: Spain cruise into last 16 with win over Austria
Spain defeated Austria 3-0 in Los Angeles on Thursday to advance to the World Cup round of 16. Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice and Pedro Porro added a header.
Dominant display
Spain secured their place in the World Cup round of 16 with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Austria on Thursday in Los Angeles. The European champions controlled possession and sliced through the Austrian defense in a typical dominant performance. Hollywood stars Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, and singer Rosalia were among the spectators at SoFi Stadium.
Spain gradually increased pressure in the first half. Marc Cucurella had a goal disallowed after a corner from Lamine Yamal, as Pau Cubarsi was judged to have encroached on Austria's goalkeeper Alexander Schlager. Schlager also made a fine save to deny Oyarzabal. However, in the 36th minute, Austria's defense finally broke: Pedri fed Cucurella on the left, whose cross was calmly side-footed in by Oyarzabal.
Second-half strike
After the break, Spain continued to dominate. Austria brought on tall strikers Sasa Kalajdzic and Marko Arnautovic and went long, but in the 66th minute, Pedro Porro headed in from Alex Baena's cross for his first international goal. David Alaba cleared a Yamal effort off the line, but in the 89th minute, Cucurella found an unmarked Oyarzabal, who slotted home to make it 3-0.
The win sets up a round-of-16 clash on Monday in Dallas against either Portugal or Croatia.
