Spain marched into the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Austria at SoFi Stadium on Thursday, extending their unbeaten run to 14 matches.
Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice and Pedro Porro added his first international goal as the reigning European champions produced another commanding display to reach the knockout stage without conceding a goal.
Spain controlled 65 per cent possession and did not allow Austria a single shot on target throughout the contest.
The opening exchanges were lively, with both teams finding space behind the opposition defence.
Lamine Yamal forced the first save of the match before Aymeric Laporte threatened from a series of early corners as Spain gradually took control.
Spain thought they had taken the lead in the 29th minute when Marc Cucurella fired home from a corner, but referee Glenn Nyberg ruled out the goal after adjudging there had been a foul on Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.
The decision did little to halt Spain’s momentum.
Schlager produced fine saves to deny Oyarzabal and Yamal, but Austria’s resistance finally broke in the 36th minute when Cucurella picked out Oyarzabal, who calmly finished to give Spain a deserved lead.
Álex Baena came close to doubling the advantage before the interval with a superb free-kick that struck the crossbar, while Yamal was unable to convert the rebound following a scramble inside the penalty area.
Austria struggled to cope with Spain’s relentless pressure after the restart, although substitute Saša Kalajdžić headed narrowly over to offer a brief glimpse of hope.
Spain effectively settled the contest in the 66th minute when Porro arrived inside the area to head home Baena’s cross for his maiden international goal.
Yamal continued to torment Austria’s defence and was denied a goal only after David Alaba cleared his effort off the line.
Oyarzabal completed his brace in the 89th minute, coolly converting another inviting cross from Cucurella to wrap up an impressive victory.
The Real Sociedad forward has now recorded his 23rd and 24th goal involvements in his last 16 appearances for Spain.
Goalkeeper Unai Simón also made history, extending his World Cup run without conceding to 519 consecutive minutes as Spain maintained their defensive perfection.
Spain will now face Portugal in the Round of 16 after Roberto Martínez’s side edged Croatia 2-1.
