Spain 3-0 Austria - 2026 World Cup Match Report and Player Ratings

La Roja Cruise into Last 16 With Easy 3-0 Win Over Toothless Austria

Spain await Portugal or Croatia in the last 16 after an impressive 3-0 victory over an Austria who offered absolutely nothing to challenge them.

An impressive display from Marc Cucurella saw him provide two goals for Mikel Oyarzabal, coming either side of a smart play which resulted in Pedro Porro heading home from close range.

Mikel Oyarzabal scores Spain's third goal against Austria!

They have DOMINATED this game! 💪 pic.twitter.com/T6kTzRBVDe

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 2, 2026

Spain 3-0 Austria: Round of 32 as it Happened

After tweaking the lineup throughout the group stage, Spain reverted back to the XI who put Saudi Arabia to the sword in matchday two as they looked to get their knockout run underway against an Austria side playing in their first World Cup knockout game for 72 years.

It was a bright start for La Roja, who managed to create some strong early chances, using both of the wide channels to full effect. Firstly, it was Porro who found Dani Olmo with a grounded pass towards the middle, but his shot was blocked. Moments later it was Aymeric Laporte who almost found the target from a corner but, despite rising highest at the near post, he couldn't quite guide the ball goalwards.

In and amongst an intersting tangent from Danny Murphy about his cat, Austria almost found the chance for a surprise lead in the opening 20 minutes. Some neat but bland build up play saw the ball reach Marcel Sabitzer on the left flank, and his cross seemed to be weighted perfectly toward Michael Gregoritsch - who was about half an inch from applying what could have been finishing touch. This didn't come without a Spanish response, however, who were causing Austria many problems with their speedy attacks, and their high and hard press.

The hydration brought about a Spain opener. A brilliant threaded pass from Pedri met Olmo, whose backheel touch through an Austrian defender almost brought around an opener if it wasn't for another to clear. From the resulting corner, Lamine Yamal's cross was met by a bundle of bodies around goalkeeper Alexander Schlager before falling to Cucurella to thump it home - only for it to be ruled out for a foul on Schlager, which definitely wasn't a foul.

Spain remained patient, biding their time, and why wouldn't they with the likes of Yamal and Oyarzabal. And it was the latter to give La Roja the lead after 35 minutes. Some great movement from Cucurella on the left and the new Real Madrid signing played a well-timed ball across to Oyarzabal to slot home into what was pretty much an empty net.

Luis de la Fuente would soon be furious that his side weren't two goals up at the break. A ludicrous free-kick effort from Alex Baena crashed off the crossbar off Schlager's fingertips, before failure to clear their lines saw Yamal on the scene, but his strike was miraculously saved by the Austrian shot-stopper once more.

Half-Time Score: Spain 1-0 Austria

Spain came out in the second half looking to just see out the game, which resulted in few real chances in the opening 15 aside from pop-shots around the edge of the box. Austria did come close through newly substituted Sasa Kalajdzic, but his header was directed a touch high.

It didn't take long for Spain to make two soon after that Austrian chance. Spain again utilised that left flank really well, and some fluid passing saw the ball land at Baena's feet, who had a free cross to an open Pedro Porro to double the lead for the European champions.

The substitutes from Ralf Rangnick earlier on in the half were having little to no impact at all throughout the second half. Spain were growing in confidence, continuing to play positive, play forward and look for a third, while Austria began to look out of ideas - if they even had any in the first place.

Stefan Posch was the first in the referee's book with 10 minutes to go, as he just looked like he was lashing out for the sake of it - and his cynicial tackle had Cucurella as the recipient, so it was justified as well.

Yamal was still getting no luck, however, and despite getting another chance at goal, he was still denied by the Austrian defence - this time it was David Alaba, who was absolutely seething at teammate Florian Grillitsch in the aftermath before the young star was taken off for another in Gavi.

Spain soon made it three before the final whistle - again Cucurella was provider, this time playing through a delightful pass middle for Oyarzabal to finish off a chance that was arguably easier than his earlier strike.

Spain through, and like France, barely got out of first gear. For La Roja, they await the winner of Portugal and Croatia to play them on Monday 6 July.

Full-Time Score: Spain 3-0 Austria

🚨 OFFICIAL LINEUPS FOR 🇪🇸 SPAIN 🆚 AUSTRIA 🇦🇹

Two changes after last game: Pedro Porro and Dani Olmo in, Llorente and Merino out 💥

Will Spain go through? 🤔

🇿🇦 Get your World Cup Pass now and watch all FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches on SportyTV YouTube channel here:… pic.twitter.com/FlT47vJm9K

— SportyTV (@SportyTV) July 2, 2026

Spain Player Ratings

• Unai Simon - 6
• Marc Cucurella - 9
• Aymeric Laporte - 7
• Pau Cubarsi - 7
• Pedro Porro - 8
• Pedri - 7
• Rodri - 7
• Alex Baena - 8
• Dani Olmo - 7
• Lamine Yamal - 7
• Mikel Oyarzabal - 9

Substitutes:

• Mikel Merino (71') - 6
• Ferran Torres (71') - 6
• Gavi (85') - N/A
• Fabian Ruiz (90') - N/A
• Marc Pubill (90') - N/A

Austria Player Ratings

• Alexander Schlager - 6
• Konrad Laimer - 5
• David Alaba - 6
• Kevin Danso -5
• Stefan Posch - 4
• Xaver Schlager - 5
• Nicolas Seiwald - 6
• Marcel Sabitzer - 6
• Paul Wanner - 6
• Romano Schmid - 6
• Michael Gregoritsch - 6

Substitutes:

• Carney Chukwuemeka (HT) - 6
• Florian Grillitsch (HT) - 5
• Marko Arnautovic (60') - 6
• Sasa Kalajdzic (60') - 7
• Alexander Prass (85') - 6

Oyarzabal's 🇪🇸 goal against Austria 🇦🇹 pic.twitter.com/12hNTseUF3

— Buikem Prime🇵🇹🌠 (@Chukwubuikem079) July 2, 2026

Player of the Match - Marc Cucurella

The left-back had a really impressive showing today, playing a crucial role in the first goal, and he should have even had one himself.

His goal should have stood and it was a poor decision to turn back on it. His involvement minutes later was crucial, making some good movement down the left flank before playing a brilliant ball into Oyarazabal which gave him a simple shot.

A superb display from the mighty Estrella lover.

Bad Day at the Office - The Austrian Team

It is unfair to point out one poor performer - but that's because they were all rubbish.

Just like Bosnia & Herzegovina yesterday, it looked like Austria simply turned up with no ideas as to how to breach the defences of the European champions.

Now sure they haven't conceded a goal yet, but Austria didn't even bother trying to test Unai Simon.

The 29-year-old may as well have been having the afternoon on Santa Monica Pier rather than at the Los Angeles Stadium.