Spain were clinical, controlled and ultimately comfortable as they dismantled Austria 3-0 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles to advance to the Round of 16. Mikel Oyarzabal opened in the 36th minute and rounded off the win in the 89th for his second brace of the tournament. Pedro Porro headed his first-ever international goal in between. It is Spain's first World Cup knockout win in 16 years — since the 2010 final itself in Johannesburg. They await the winner of Portugal vs Croatia in the Round of 16.
THE GOALS
Spain controlled possession from the first minute but were made to wait for the opener. A Marc Cucurella effort was disallowed for a foul on the Austrian goalkeeper — a decision Spain disagreed with. The real opener arrived in the 36th minute through Oyarzabal, who finished off a well-worked move after being set up by Cucurella. The assist redeemed the left-back after his earlier disallowed incident.
The second half followed the same Spain-controlled pattern. Austria could not find a way through. The pressure told in the 66th minute when Alex Baena delivered a superb cross from the left — Pedro Porro arrived at the back post and powered home a well-placed header, his first-ever goal in international football. Austria threw on more attacking players looking for a way back but Spain's defensive block absorbed everything comfortably. Oyarzabal struck again in the 89th minute to make it three and seal Spain's passage.
HOW THE GAME PLAYED OUT
This was a mature, controlled performance from Luis de la Fuente's side — very different from the chaotic 4-0 over Saudi Arabia or the nervy goalless draw with Cape Verde. Spain made two changes from the final group game: Porro came in at right-back for Llorente, and Dani Olmo replaced Merino in midfield. Yamal started alongside Baena and Oyarzabal in attack — Nico Williams still recovering from a leg injury that has limited his involvement at the tournament. Austria made three changes of their own — Danso, Wanner and Gregoritsch coming in — but were never able to establish any sustained threat. Rodri was excellent as the midfield anchor, controlling tempo throughout and completing 94 percent of his passes. Pedri covered ground relentlessly in both directions.
LINEUPS
Spain (4-3-3): Unai Simon; Porro, Laporte, Cubarsi, Cucurella; Rodri, Olmo, Pedri; Baena, Oyarzabal, Yamal.
Austria (4-3-3): A. Schlager; Posch, Alaba, Danso, Laimer; X. Schlager, Seiwald, Sabitzer; Schmid, Gregoritsch, Wanner. Subs: Arnautovic, Lienhart, Mwene from the bench.
WHAT IT MEANS
Spain are into the Round of 16 and face either Portugal or Croatia — that match is taking place tonight at BMO Field in Toronto. It is their first World Cup knockout win since they beat the Netherlands in the 2010 final. Yamal continues to grow into the tournament — no goal today but influential throughout, creating space and drawing defenders. Spain look like genuine contenders. Oyarzabal has now scored three World Cup goals in this tournament — more than any other Spain player at 2026.
