Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice as Spain cruised to a 3-0 victory over Austria on Thursday to book a place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Spain dominated possession throughout the Round of 32 encounter, controlling the tempo and repeatedly exposing Austria with their fluid attacking play.
Their persistence paid off in the 36th minute when Oyarzabal calmly finished from Marc Cucurella’s precise pass to give La Roja a deserved first-half lead.
Austria attempted to revive their fortunes after the break, introducing Carney Chukwuemeka and Florian Grillitsch for Nicolas Seiwald and Xaver Schlager at the start of the second half.
Further attacking changes followed in the 60th minute as Marko Arnautovic replaced Michael Gregoritsch, while Sasa Kalajdzic came on for Romano Schmid.
Despite the substitutions, Austria struggled to break down Spain’s disciplined defence.
Spain doubled their advantage in the 66th minute when Pedro Porro finished confidently after being set up by Alex Baena, putting Luis de la Fuente’s side firmly in control.
The Spain coach responded by rotating his squad, introducing Ferran Torres, Mikel Merino and Gavi as his side continued to dictate play.
Austria’s frustrations mounted late in the match, with Stefan Posch receiving a yellow card before being replaced by Alexander Prass.
Oyarzabal wrapped up the victory in the 89th minute, finishing another move created by Cucurella to complete his brace and cap an outstanding individual performance.
Spain comfortably saw out the closing stages, with Fabian Ruiz and Marc Pubill replacing Pedri and Aymeric Laporte in stoppage time.
After the match, coach Luis de la Fuente praised his players’ discipline, intensity and teamwork.
The victory reinforced Spain’s credentials as one of the tournament favourites, with Oyarzabal’s brace, Pedro Porro’s goal and Cucurella’s two assists proving decisive.
NAN reports that Spain remain the only team yet to concede a goal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, maintaining a perfect defensive record after progressing to the Round of 16.
Austria bowed out of the tournament after being comprehensively outplayed by the former world champions.
