Spain reaches World Cup last 16 after beating Austria 3-0

Spain moved into the World Cup last 16 with a 3-0 victory over Austria, a result powered by Mikel Oyarzabal’s two goals and a third from Pedro Porro. The win sent Luis de la Fuente’s side through to a knockout tie against either Portugal or Croatia, while also extending Spain’s push to restore its record in elimination matches.

De la Fuente’s refusal to name a preferred opponent fit the careful tone he has used throughout the tournament. Before facing Austria, he had stressed that Spain was still growing under pressure and that there was no margin for error now, a message that kept the focus on performance rather than the bracket. After the match, that discipline mattered even more because the winner of Portugal against Croatia in Toronto on July 2, 2026, would take Spain’s place in the next round.

The result carried extra weight because Spain had not won a World Cup knockout match since lifting the trophy in 2010. That drought gave the Austria win a historical edge beyond the scoreline, especially with Oyarzabal finishing decisively and Porro adding the insurance goal that turned a controlled performance into a convincing advance. FIFA said Spain progressed with goals from Oyarzabal and Porro, and the scoreboard reflected a side that did not waste its chances.

The possible rematch with Portugal adds a sharper edge to the path ahead. Portugal beat Spain in the 2025 Nations League final on penalties after a 2-2 draw, taking the shootout 5-3 and leaving a recent wound in Spain’s memory. Croatia would bring a different challenge, but De la Fuente’s public caution suggests Spain is treating both routes the same way: one game at a time, with the next opponent still to be earned rather than chosen.