The penultimate day of last-32 action at the 2026 World Cup promises to be a compelling one, with two of the pre-tournament favourites in action. Whether or not Portugal and Spain are still among the frontrunners to lift the trophy on 19 July, however, could be determined by what unfolds on Thursday.
Spain face Austria in Los Angeles with a point to prove. While the European champions made comfortable enough progress through the group stage, they have yet to find top gear. The intensity they demonstrated at Euro 2024 has been missing with Lamine Yamal still searching for sharpness.
