Top News

Spain delivered a commanding display in Los Angeles to book their place in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Austria on Thursday. The reigning European champions controlled proceedings from start to finish, comfortably advancing thanks to a brace from Mikel Oyarzabal and a well-taken header from Pedro Porro, marking their most cohesive performance of the tournament so far.

It took a little time for La Roja to find their rhythm, but once they did, Austria had no answer. Aymeric Laporte came close with an early header, and Marc Cucurella thought he had given Spain the lead from a corner, only for the goal to be controversially ruled out for a foul on the goalkeeper.

Lamine Yamal and Oyarzabal both forced strong saves from Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager shortly after, but Spain’s persistence paid off when Cucurella’s measured low cross was swept in by Oyarzabal. Yamal could have doubled the advantage in stoppage time of the first half but was denied at the near post after Alex Baena’s free-kick clipped the crossbar.

The second half followed a familiar pattern of Spanish dominance. Rodri’s deflected drive went narrowly wide before Austria’s substitute Sasa Kalajdzic missed their best chance. Minutes later, Baena’s pinpoint delivery found Porro, whose downward header put Spain 2-0 ahead, effectively sealing the game.

With five minutes remaining, David Alaba cleared Yamal’s effort off the line, but Oyarzabal added late gloss to the scoreline, calmly guiding another Cucurella cross into the net. The result sends Spain through to a last-16 clash against either Portugal or Croatia.

Here are the player ratings from Spain’s performance in Los Angeles:

Goalkeeper & Defence

Unai Simon (6/10): Hardly tested throughout the match. Could have watched from the stands.

Pedro Porro (8/10): Operated almost like a winger without neglecting defensive duties. Took his header superbly for Spain’s second goal.

Pau Cubarsi (7/10): A composed display for someone so young. Confidently carried the ball forward.

Aymeric Laporte (7/10): Rarely troubled at the back but distributed the ball efficiently and with composure.

Marc Cucurella (8/10): Pushed high up the pitch constantly. Had a goal harshly ruled out but assisted Oyarzabal twice with accurate crosses.

Midfield

Rodri (7/10): The metronome in midfield, dictating tempo and breaking up Austria’s limited attacks effectively.

Pedri (6/10): Produced a clever pass that created a good first-half opportunity and was always available for possession recycling.

Dani Olmo (6/10): Worked tirelessly, showing neat touches in tight spaces and contributed defensively.

Attack

Lamine Yamal (7/10): Despite being closely marked by Konrad Laimer, the youngster still showed flashes of brilliance and was unlucky not to score late on.

Mikel Oyarzabal (8/10): Clinical in front of goal, finishing both chances with precision. His timing and positioning were top-class.

Alex Baena (7/10): Involved in much of Spain’s attacking play early on and delivered the cross for Porro’s header.

Substitutes & Manager

Mikel Merino (5/10): Struggled to influence proceedings after coming on.

Ferran Torres (5/10): Found himself in promising areas but lacked the final touch.

Gavi (N/A): Played the final five minutes, not enough time to make an impact.

Marc Pubil (N/A): Came on in stoppage time to help close out the game.

Fabian Ruiz (N/A): Introduced very late and will likely be frustrated by the limited minutes.

Luis de la Fuente (7/10): Oversaw Spain’s most convincing performance of the tournament so far. His side appear to have hit form just as the knockout stages begin.