INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Spain delivered its most complete performance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, cruising to a 3-0 victory over Austria to book a place in the Round of 16 and underline its credentials as one of the tournament favorites.Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice and Pedro Porro added another as the European champions claimed their first knockout-stage victory at a World Cup since lifting the trophy in 2010.”The great teams step up when it’s needed,” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said. “We played a great match. We came close to perfection, but we must keep improving.”Spain will face Portugal in the Round of 16 after Cristiano Ronaldo’s side defeated Croatia later on Thursday.After an unbeaten but largely unconvincing group-stage campaign, La Roja produced an attacking masterclass while extending an equally impressive defensive record.Goalkeeper Unai Simón was barely tested as Austria failed to register a shot on target, allowing Spain to keep its fourth consecutive clean sheet. Simón also set a World Cup record with 519 consecutive shutout minutes, dating back to the 2022 tournament in Qatar.”I’m happy to have helped the team get through another round,” Oyarzabal said. “Now we rest and prepare for the next one. We knew it would be difficult against such a physical team, but we had a very good day.”Spain’s breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Marc Cucurella found Oyarzabal unmarked inside the penalty area, and the Real Sociedad captain calmly finished for his fourth goal of the tournament.The Spaniards dominated after the break and doubled their lead when Álex Baena crossed for Pedro Porro, whose powerful header gave the full-back his first international goal.Oyarzabal completed the scoring in the 89th minute, once again finishing from a Cucurella assist to cap a commanding display.Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was a constant threat throughout the match, registering four of Spain’s 10 shots on target before being substituted late in the game after seeing another effort cleared off the line.”Our only focus is to keep exceeding our own expectations,” De la Fuente said. “Today’s match is just the beginning because in the next game we want to play even better. We have wonderful players. Their attitude, talent and commitment are exceptional.”Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager produced six saves to prevent an even heavier defeat, but coach Ralf Rangnick admitted his side had been outclassed.”I cannot remember any unforced error they made,” Rangnick said. “I think they showed their best performance. I would say we not only faced the European champions but possibly the next world champions. If you want to win this tournament, you have to beat Spain.”The defeat also marked the end of an international career for veteran striker Marko Arnautović, with Rangnick confirming after the match that the 37-year-old had made his final appearance for Austria.Spain has now gone 35 consecutive competitive matches without defeat since March 2023, adding another statement performance to a remarkable run that includes UEFA Nations League and European Championship success.With confidence growing and both attack and defense clicking into place, La Roja heads into a blockbuster Round-of-16 clash against Portugal as one of the strongest contenders for the World Cup title.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Spain delivered its most complete performance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, cruising to a 3-0 victory over Austria to book a place in the Round of 16 and underline its credentials as one of the tournament favorites.Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice and Pedro Porro added another as the European champions claimed their first knockout-stage victory at a World Cup since lifting the trophy in 2010.”The great teams step up when it’s needed,” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said. “We played a great match. We came close to perfection, but we must keep improving.”Spain will face Portugal in the Round of 16 after Cristiano Ronaldo’s side defeated Croatia later on Thursday.After an unbeaten but largely unconvincing group-stage campaign, La Roja produced an attacking masterclass while extending an equally impressive defensive record.Goalkeeper Unai Simón was barely tested as Austria failed to register a shot on target, allowing Spain to keep its fourth consecutive clean sheet. Simón also set a World Cup record with 519 consecutive shutout minutes, dating back to the 2022 tournament in Qatar.”I’m happy to have helped the team get through another round,” Oyarzabal said. “Now we rest and prepare for the next one. We knew it would be difficult against such a physical team, but we had a very good day.”Spain’s breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Marc Cucurella found Oyarzabal unmarked inside the penalty area, and the Real Sociedad captain calmly finished for his fourth goal of the tournament.The Spaniards dominated after the break and doubled their lead when Álex Baena crossed for Pedro Porro, whose powerful header gave the full-back his first international goal.Oyarzabal completed the scoring in the 89th minute, once again finishing from a Cucurella assist to cap a commanding display.Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was a constant threat throughout the match, registering four of Spain’s 10 shots on target before being substituted late in the game after seeing another effort cleared off the line.”Our only focus is to keep exceeding our own expectations,” De la Fuente said. “Today’s match is just the beginning because in the next game we want to play even better. We have wonderful players. Their attitude, talent and commitment are exceptional.”Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager produced six saves to prevent an even heavier defeat, but coach Ralf Rangnick admitted his side had been outclassed.”I cannot remember any unforced error they made,” Rangnick said. “I think they showed their best performance. I would say we not only faced the European champions but possibly the next world champions. If you want to win this tournament, you have to beat Spain.”The defeat also marked the end of an international career for veteran striker Marko Arnautović, with Rangnick confirming after the match that the 37-year-old had made his final appearance for Austria.Spain has now gone 35 consecutive competitive matches without defeat since March 2023, adding another statement performance to a remarkable run that includes UEFA Nations League and European Championship success.With confidence growing and both attack and defense clicking into place, La Roja heads into a blockbuster Round-of-16 clash against Portugal as one of the strongest contenders for the World Cup title.
