Spain booked their place in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup with a commanding win over Austria on Thursday, gradually wearing down Ralf Rangnick’s side before turning their dominance into goals.
Mikel Oyarzabal broke the deadlock after Pedri’s elegant surge through midfield and Marc Cucurella’s low delivery from the left.
Austria had moments of danger, especially through Marcel Sabitzer’s deliveries and the aerial threat of Sasa Kalajdzic and Marko Arnautovic after the break, but Spain looked sharper, calmer and far more ruthless in the decisive areas.
Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena all caused problems, while Xaver Schlager and David Alaba prevented the scoreline from growing earlier.
Pedro Porro then gave Spain breathing space, heading home unmarked from Baena’s cross after another sustained spell of pressure. From there, La Roja controlled the contest with authority, even handing Marc Pubill his World Cup debut late on.
Oyarzabal completed the victory with his second of the night, once again finishing from a Cucurella assist as the left-back capped an outstanding display. Spain march into the knockout rounds with confidence, rhythm and the look of a side beginning to hit their stride.