Spain 3-0 Austria: Oyarzabal Double Sends European Champions Into Last 16

Spain produced a composed, controlled performance to see off Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Inglewood on Wednesday, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring either side of a Pedro Porro header to book a place in the last 16. The European champions rarely looked troubled against a disciplined but limited Austria side, and eased through to a Dallas date on July 6.

How the Match Unfolded

Spain dominated possession from the outset but had to wait until the 36th minute to break the deadlock. Marc Cucurella was the architect, driving to the byline on the left and pulling the ball back for Oyarzabal, who took a touch before steering a first-time finish into the corner. It was the reward Spain’s early control deserved, and it settled any nerves before the interval.

The second arrived just after the hour. Alex Baena swung in a cross from the left and Pedro Porro, arriving unmarked at the back post, nodded home in the 66th minute to double the lead. From there Austria’s hopes of a comeback faded, as Spain managed the game with the assurance of a side used to knockout football on the biggest stage.

Oyarzabal had the final word. With just a minute of normal time remaining, another inviting Cucurella delivery from the left found the forward, who slid in to complete his brace and the scoring in the 89th minute. There was no red-card drama, no penalty controversy and no need for extra time — Spain’s job was done well before the whistle.

Key Talking Points

Oyarzabal was the standout, his two-goal haul underlining his growing importance to Spain in the final third, while Cucurella was arguably just as influential, supplying the assists for both of his strikes from an advanced left-sided role. The link-up down that flank repeatedly stretched Austria and provided the platform for a comfortable evening.

For Austria, the story was one of resilience without a cutting edge. They defended in numbers and kept the scoreline respectable for long spells, but they offered little going forward and never seriously tested the Spanish rearguard. Against a side of Spain’s quality, containment alone was never going to be enough.

What’s Next

Spain move on to the Round of 16, where they will face the winner of Portugal against Croatia. That last-16 tie is scheduled for Dallas on July 6, giving La Roja a marquee knockout clash against one of European football’s heavyweight nations as they continue their pursuit of the World Cup.