Spain booked their place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Austria, delivering a dominant performance that underlined their credentials as title contenders.
A brace from Mikel Oyarzabal and a goal from Pedro Porro secured a comfortable win for the former world champions and ensured safe passage to the knockout stage.
Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the 36th minute, finishing off a well-worked move after being set up by Marc Cucurela.
Spain took their slender lead into the break and returned for the second half with greater intensity. Their pressure paid off in the 65th minute when Pedro Porro doubled the advantage, converting an assist from Alex Baena.
With one minute remaining in regulation time, Oyarzabal completed his brace, once again finishing from a Marc Cucurela assist. Cucurela, who also had a goal disallowed earlier in the match, capped an outstanding individual performance with his second assist of the night.
After beginning their World Cup campaign with a disappointing goalless draw against tournament debutants Cape Verde, Spain have responded impressively, producing a string of commanding performances to reach the knockout rounds in style.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup champions will face either Portugal or Croatia in the Round of 16 on July 6.
