Spain entered the knockout stage with something to prove after an uneven group-stage campaign, but La Roja quickly reminded everyone why they remain one of the leading contenders at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After some shaky moments earlier in the tournament, Spain looked far more convincing in its Round of 32 matchup against Austria, cruising to a 3-0 win on July 3, Philippine time, to book a place in the Round of 16.
Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the 36th minute after Marc Cucurella delivered a low ball into the box. Spain then took full control after the break, with Pedro Porro heading in from an Alex Baena cross in the 66th minute before Oyarzabal added his second goal late in the match.
Spain’s “Get the Ball to Lamine Yamal” Plan Pays Off
Spain’s attacking plan was simple before the match: get the ball to Lamine Yamal and let him create. It worked. The 18-year-old winger, who had been working his way back from injury, played 85 minutes and produced his most complete performance of the tournament so far.
Yamal finished with six shots, four on target and two chances created, repeatedly causing problems in one-on-one situations. After the match, the 18-year-old made it clear his focus was already on the knockout rounds.
“The World Cup starts now,” Yamal said.
Unai Simon Sets World Cup Clean-Sheet Record
While Yamal powered Spain’s attack, Unai Simon gave La Roja another historic moment at the other end. The Spain goalkeeper kept Austria scoreless to record his fifth straight World Cup clean sheet.
Simon has now gone 519 consecutive World Cup minutes without conceding, surpassing Walter Zenga’s previous record of 517 minutes from 1990.
Spain will next face Portugal in the Round of 16.
