Live Blog! Spain vs Austria in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32
Spain and Austria meet again at a FIFA World Cup for the first time in nearly five decades. Spain enter as favorites, but injuries and Austria's dramatic qualification set the stage for a high-stakes battle for a place in the Round of 16.
90+6' - Full Time!
The referee blew the final whistle as Spain cruised to a convincing 3-0 victory over Austria, securing their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. A brace from Mikel Oyarzabal and a goal by Pedro Porro sealed an impressive performance from La Roja.
Final Score: Spain 3-0 Austria
90+3' - Spain Make Double Substitution
With the match all but decided, Spain made two changes. Marc Pubill replaced Aymeric Laporte, while Fabián Ruiz came on for Pedri, adding fresh legs in defense and midfield for the closing moments.
Score: Spain 3-0 Austria
90' - Six Minutes Added
The fourth official signaled six minutes of stoppage time. Holding a commanding 3-0 lead, Spain are just moments away from securing their place in the Round of 16, while Austria look to finish the match on a positive note.
Score: Spain 3-0 Austria
89' - Oyarzabal Bags a Brace to Seal It!
Mikel Oyarzabal scored his second goal of the match with a composed right-footed finish from inside the box after a perfect assist from Marc Cucurella. Spain turn their dominance into a commanding lead and all but book their place in the Round of 16.
Score: Spain 3-0 Austria
85' - Gavi Comes On for Spain
Spain made another substitution for the closing stages as Gavi replaced Lamine Yamal, who leaves the pitch after an impressive performance as one of Spain's most dangerous attacking threats.
Score: Spain 2-0 Austria
85' - Austria Make Another Change
With time running out, Austria made another substitution as Alexander Prass replaced Stefan Posch, who had been shown a yellow card just moments earlier.
Score: Spain 2-0 Austria
83' - Posch Booked for Late Challenge
Stefan Posch received a yellow card after bringing down Marc Cucurella in Spain's defensive half. The Austrian defender's late challenge earned an immediate booking from the referee.
Score: Spain 2-0 Austria
71' - Spain Make Double Substitution
Holding a comfortable lead, Luis de la Fuente made two changes. Mikel Merino replaced Dani Olmo, while Ferran Torres came on for Álex Baena to add fresh energy for the closing stages.
Score: Spain 2-0 Austria
71' - Play Resumes
Following the cooling break, play resumed in Los Angeles. Spain continue protecting their two-goal lead, while Austria push forward in search of a way back into the game.
Score: Spain 2-0 Austria
68' - Cooling Break
Play was briefly stopped for the scheduled cooling break. Holding a two-goal lead, Spain used the pause to regroup, while Austria received tactical instructions in search of a way back into the match.
Score: Spain 2-0 Austria
66' - Goal! Pedro Porro Doubles Spain's Lead
Pedro Porro rose in the middle of the box to power home a header, giving Spain a two-goal advantage over Austria. La Roja take firm control of the match with the knockout stage within reach.
Score: Spain 2-0 Austria
63' - Arnautovic Receives Treatment After Collision
Marko Arnautovic required medical attention following a heavy collision with Unai Simón, who rushed to the edge of the box to clear the ball. The play had already been stopped for offside, with a foul also called on the Austrian forward.
Score: Spain 1-0 Austria
60' - Austria Make Double Attacking Change
Looking for an equalizer, Austria made two substitutions. Marko Arnautovic replaced Michael Gregoritsch, while Sasa Kalajdzic came on for Romano Schmid, adding more firepower for the final stages of the match.
Score: Spain 1-0 Austria
54' - Rodri Tries His Luck From Distance
Rodri unleashed a powerful effort from outside the box after being set up by Pau Cubarsí, but an Austrian defender got in the way and blocked the shot before it could trouble the goalkeeper.
Score: Spain 1-0 Austria
45' - Austria Make Double Substitution
At the start of the second half, Austria made two changes. Carney Chukwuemeka replaced Nicolas Seiwald, while Florian Grillitsch came on for Xaver Schlager as Austria looked to freshen up their midfield.
Score: Spain 1-0 Austria
45' - Second Half Begins
The second half is underway in Los Angeles. Spain look to protect their lead, while Austria search for an equalizer to keep their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 hopes alive.
Score: Spain 1-0 Austria
45+4' - Halftime
The referee brings the first half to an end in Los Angeles. Spain heads into the break with the lead thanks to Mikel Oyarzabal's goal, while Austria will need a response in the second half to stay alive.
Score: Spain 1-0 Austria
45' - Four Minutes Added
The first half reached the 45-minute mark, and the fourth official signaled four minutes of stoppage time. Spain will look to extend their lead, while Austria hopes to find an equalizer before halftime.
Score: Spain 1-0 Austria
36' - Goal! Spain Take the Lead
Mikel Oyarzabal fired home with a left-footed finish from inside the penalty area to give Spain a deserved lead. After controlling much of the match, La Roja finally broke the deadlock before halftime.
Score: Spain 1-0 Austria
29' - Spain Have Goal Disallowed
Marc Cucurella found the back of the net, but the celebration was cut short as the referee immediately blew the whistle and ruled the goal out for an earlier infringement.
Score: Spain 0-0 Austria
26' - Play Resumes
Following the cooling break, play resumed in Los Angeles as Spain and Austria returned to action to continue the first half.
Score: Spain 0-0 Austria
23' - Cooling Break
The referee briefly stopped play for the scheduled cooling break. Both teams used the pause to hydrate and receive tactical instructions from their coaching staffs before play resumed.
Score: Spain 0-0 Austria
1' - Spain Threaten Early
Lamine Yamal tested the goalkeeper with a left-footed strike from outside the box after a setup by Álex Baena, but the Austrian keeper reacted well to keep the match scoreless.
Score: Spain 0-0 Austria
0' - Kickoff!
The action is underway in Los Angeles as Spain and Austria begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 showdown, with a place in the Round of 16 up for grabs.
Score: Spain 0-0 Austria
Spain's Starting XI
Austria's Starting XI
Spain and Austria meet again at the World Cup nearly 50 years later
The Spain vs Austria clash promises to be one of the most compelling matchups of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32. Two European sides with very different styles will battle on July 2 in Los Angeles, with a coveted place in the Round of 16 on the line.
The World Cup history between these nations is brief but memorable. Their only previous meeting came at Argentina 1978, when Austria defeated Spain 2-1 in the group stage. Nearly five decades later, they are set to write a new chapter.
Beyond advancing to the next round, there is even more at stake. Spain enter as favorites, although the gap between the two teams may be much smaller than many expect.
Spain remain unbeaten, but injuries create new concerns
Luis de la Fuente's side impressed throughout the group stage, collecting seven points without conceding a single goal after victories over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, along with a draw against Cape Verde.
However, the mood changed following their most recent match after two important players picked up injuries.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation confirmed that Nico Williams suffered a right adductor muscle injury. Fortunately for Spain, medical reports describe it as a minor issue, leaving open the possibility of his return should the team continue progressing through the tournament.
Meanwhile, Yeremi Pino was diagnosed with an acromioclavicular sprain. Tests ruled out a fracture, but there is still no timetable for his recovery, meaning his availability will depend entirely on how he responds over the coming days.
Those absences could create an even bigger opportunity for Lamine Yamal, whose minutes have been carefully managed during the tournament. The Barcelona star has already found the net and is expected to play an even more influential role in Spain's attack.
Spain also have another challenge beyond simply advancing. Since lifting the trophy in South Africa 2010, none of the World Cup champions from 2006 to 2014 have managed to win a knockout match in a subsequent tournament. Ending that trend has become another motivation for La Roja.
Austria arrive with confidence after an unforgettable escape
Ralf Rangnick's squad appeared destined for elimination during their final group-stage match against Algeria. With only minutes remaining, qualification seemed out of reach before Austria produced an extraordinary late rally.
They eventually secured a dramatic 3-3 draw, earning second place in their group and booking their place in the knockout stage. That remarkable finish completely changed the fate of both teams, as Algeria dropped to third place.
Veterans such as Marcel Sabitzer, who recently celebrated his 100th international appearance, and Marko Arnautović, one of Austria's most experienced players, will be expected to lead the team against one of the tournament favorites.
The key factors that could decide who advances
On paper, Spain possess greater squad depth, the tournament's strongest defensive record so far and a talented generation capable of changing a match at any moment.
Even so, the injuries in attack could force tactical adjustments that may offer Austria opportunities to capitalize.


















