Spanish Masterclass in Los Angeles: 'La Roja' Sink Austria at SoFi Stadium, Reach Last 16

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 02: Mikel Oyarzabal #21 of Spain scores his team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Spain and Austria at Los Angeles Stadium on July 02, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Credit: Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Spain decisively advanced to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, overwhelming Austria with a commanding 3-0 victory at Los Angeles Stadium. The win represents a historical milestone for the reigning European champions, marking their initial victory in a World Cup knockout stage since winning the competition in South Africa 16 years ago.

Luis de la Fuente's squad took charge from the opening whistle, suffocating their opponents with superior ball retention orchestrated by the midfield trio of Rodri, Pedri, and Dani Olmo. Teenage winger Lamine Yamal immediately pressured the Austrian defense, forcing an initial intervention within sixty seconds of kickoff. Spain appeared to have taken an early lead when Marc Cucurella converted from a corner kick, but the officiating crew disallowed the effort due to a physical infraction committed on Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.