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Spain recorded their first knockout victory in the FIFA World Cup since the 2010 final in South Africa, sweeping aside Austria 3-0 with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro. The performance reaffirmed why, even with several key absentees, they remain among the leading contenders to lift the 2026 World Cup trophy.

The reigning European champions had endured a rather subdued group stage, starting with a goalless draw against Cape Verde before routing Saudi Arabia 4-0 in Atlanta. They then narrowly defeated Uruguay 1-0 in Guadalajara — a match in which Nico Williams was forced off with an adductor injury.

Austria, meanwhile, had a mixed group campaign of their own. They began with a 3-1 victory over debutants Jordan in their first World Cup appearance since 1998, followed by a 2-0 defeat to Argentina. A thrilling 3-3 draw with Algeria secured them a spot in the Round of 32, where they faced Spain.

Spain came into the encounter dealing with an injury list that included wingers Yéremy Pino, Víctor Muñoz, and Nico Williams, while attacking midfielder Fermín López had been ruled out before the tournament began. However, with Lamine Yamal turning in his finest display of the campaign on the right flank, the absence of attacking options hardly proved an obstacle.

La Roja stamped their authority from the outset, appearing to have taken an early lead from a corner only for Marc Cucurella’s goal to be chalked off due to a foul. They didn’t have to wait long though — just seven minutes later, Oyarzabal converted Cucurella’s cross to open the scoring.

Austria stayed competitive largely thanks to the outstanding saves of goalkeeper Alexander Schlager. Coach Ralf Rangnick made two substitutions at halftime and another pair around the hour mark in an attempt to shift momentum.

Although Austria managed to raise their intensity and matched Spain physically for portions of the second half, they rarely looked threatening in attack. A few promising crosses from Marcel Sabitzer created half-chances, but the lack of numbers inside the box meant they never truly tested Unai Simón.

Spain, on the other hand, kept their composure and continued dismantling Austria with crisp, coordinated passing and a high pressing line. Their patience paid off in the 66th minute when Álex Baena, filling in for the injured Williams, provided a pinpoint cross that Pedro Porro met with a confident header to make it 2-0.

Oyarzabal completed his brace in the 89th minute, sealing a commanding 3-0 win in Inglewood, California. Beyond the elegant possession play, Spain’s defensive structure was equally impressive, restricting Austria to just five attempts — none of which were on target — in a thoroughly dominant display.

The clean sheet also carried historical significance. Unai Simón broke Walter Zenga’s long-standing record for the most consecutive minutes in World Cup history without conceding a goal, extending the mark to 519 minutes. Such was Spain’s defensive cohesion that it seemed any goalkeeper from their professional leagues could have maintained the shutout.

“We knew this would be a tough game, but we executed well from the start — both with and without the ball,” said Porro after the match. “I saw a very focused Spain side from the first whistle… we’re trying to do everything at the highest level, and the key is to keep competing with the same intensity.”

As the old saying goes, defence wins championships — and Spain appear determined to prove it true once again. After coasting through much of the group stage, La Roja have clearly come alive for the knockout rounds, displaying the same unity and precision that carried them to European glory two years ago in Germany.

Whether they face Croatia or Portugal next in Dallas, and regardless of whether their injured forwards return in time for the Round of 16, this Spanish side will not be easily dislodged. With their trademark fluid passing and unyielding defensive discipline, Spain remain one of the firm favourites to challenge for the ultimate prize in New Jersey on July 19.