New Delhi: Striker Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice as Spain produced a commanding performance to defeat Austria 3-0 at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday, securing a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage. Pedro Porro added the third goal as the European champions comfortably advanced to the pre-quarterfinals.
The victory marks Spain’s return to the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time since the 2010 tournament in South Africa, where they lifted the trophy. Spain will now face neighboring rivals Portugal on July 6 for a place in the quarter-finals.
Spain signaled their attacking intent from the opening minute. Seventeen-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal nearly gave his side an early lead, but his effort struck the post and bounced away. The Spanish attack continued to dominate possession and create opportunities, with Yamal and Oyarzabal repeatedly troubling the Austrian defense.
Spain thought they had opened the scoring when Marc Cucurella found the net from a corner kick, but the goal was ruled out after the referee penalized him for a foul on Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 36th minute. Receiving a pass from Cucurella on the left flank, Oyarzabal unleashed a powerful strike that flew past Schlager and into the net. The goal was his third of the tournament and gave Spain a deserved 1-0 lead.
Spain nearly doubled their advantage before halftime when Álex Baena struck the woodwork from a free kick, but the score remained 1-0 at the break.
Austria struggled to create clear-cut chances throughout the contest. Michael Gregoritsch failed to capitalize on a cross from Marcel Sabitzer, while Sasa Kalajdzic also missed an opportunity with a header from another Sabitzer delivery.
Spain continued to control proceedings in the second half and extended their lead in the 66th minute. Baena delivered an inviting cross from the left, and Pedro Porro rose highest to head the ball into the net, making it 2-0.
The result was sealed in the 89th minute when Oyarzabal grabbed his second goal of the evening. Austrian defender David Alaba initially blocked Yamal’s effort on the goal line, but the rebound fell kindly for Oyarzabal, who calmly slotted home to complete a convincing 3-0 victory.
Simon Equals Historic World Cup Record
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón also achieved a remarkable milestone during the match. The clean sheet was his fifth consecutive shutout in World Cup competition dating back to 2022, equaling the record set by Italian goalkeeper Walter Zenga during the 1990 FIFA World Cup.
Spain’s defensive resilience has been a major factor in their success. Their last World Cup goal conceded came before their penalty-shootout elimination to Morocco following a goalless draw in the 2022 tournament.
With Oyarzabal in outstanding form, Yamal continuing to impress, and Simón anchoring a formidable defense, Spain head into their highly anticipated clash with Portugal full of confidence as they chase a place in the quarter-finals of FIFA World Cup 2026.
