World Cup 2026: Spain silence critics with commanding victory over Austria

Spain produced one of their most convincing performances of the 2026 World Cup as they defeated Austria 3-0 to book their place in the last 16, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring twice and Pedro Porro also finding the net.

The reigning European champions answered questions about their form with an assured display, controlling possession throughout and giving Austria few opportunities to threaten.

Lamine Yamal was again at the heart of Spain’s attacking play, creating problems for the Austrian defence with his pace, dribbling and movement, while Oyarzabal’s clinical finishing ensured Luis de la Fuente’s side made their superiority count.

Spain dominate from the outset

Spain controlled the contest from the opening whistle, dictating possession and preventing Austria from establishing the aggressive pressing game associated with head coach Ralf Rangnick.

Yamal quickly became the focal point of Spain’s attacks.

The Barcelona winger repeatedly drove at defenders, producing a series of dangerous runs into the penalty area during the opening half.

Despite Spain’s dominance, the breakthrough initially proved elusive.

Dani Olmo saw a volley blocked by Oyarzabal, Yamal appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty, and Marc Cucurella had a goal ruled out after a foul was awarded against goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.

Austria briefly threatened to upset the flow of the match when Michael Gregoritsch thought he had given his side the lead with a header, but Spain continued to dictate proceedings.

Oyarzabal breaks the deadlock

Spain’s persistence was rewarded in the 36th minute.

Marc Cucurella delivered a cross into the area and Oyarzabal applied a composed first-time finish to put La Roja ahead before half-time.

The goal settled Spain, who returned after the break with even greater confidence.

Austria struggled to regain possession and found themselves increasingly pinned back as Spain patiently controlled the tempo.

Saša Kalajdžić came close to equalising shortly after coming on, but his header drifted over the crossbar.

Porro and Oyarzabal complete convincing win

Spain doubled their advantage in the 66th minute through Pedro Porro.

Another flowing team move ended with the defender finishing confidently to leave Austria with a mountain to climb.

The goal effectively settled the contest as Spain continued to dominate both possession and territory.

Oyarzabal completed the victory in the closing stages, once again finishing from a Marc Cucurella assist in the 89th minute to secure his second goal of the evening.

The 3-0 scoreline reflected Spain’s authority throughout the match, with the European champions combining defensive control with attacking quality.

La Roja send strong message

Questions had been raised about Spain’s level before the knockout stage, but their display against Austria provided an emphatic response.

With Yamal continuing to influence games, Oyarzabal rediscovering his scoring touch and the team maintaining its trademark control of possession, Spain advanced without appearing under serious pressure.

The performance underlined the confidence within Luis de la Fuente’s squad as La Roja moved into the next round of the World Cup with one of their most complete displays of the tournament.