
Spain are up and running at the World Cup 2026 — and it should worry every England fan. The European champions swept Austria aside 3-0 in Los Angeles on Thursday to book their place in the last 16, with Mikel Oyarzabal bagging a brace, Pedro Porro heading home a third and Lamine Yamal producing his most dazzling display of the tournament. Sound familiar? It should. This is the team that broke English hearts in Berlin.
Spain 3-0 Austria: Total Control From Start to Finish
Spain beat Austria 3-0 in Los Angeles to reach the last 16 of the World Cup 2026, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring twice and Pedro Porro adding a third with a header. La Roja dominated from the first whistle and never gave their opponents a sniff of a comeback.
There was no scare, no wobble, no nervy finish. Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled possession, pressed high and turned a knockout tie into a procession. After a slow-burning group stage, the European champions have belatedly clicked into gear — and the timing could not be more ominous.
Lamine Yamal Is Heating Up at the Worst Possible Time
Lamine Yamal delivered his best performance of the World Cup 2026 against Austria, tormenting the left side of their defence and playing a part in the build-up to all three Spanish goals. At 18, he is already the player every remaining team fears most.
England supporters need no introduction. Yamal lit up Euro 2024 as a 16-year-old and starred in the final that Spain won against the Three Lions in Berlin. Two years on, he is stronger, sharper and — on this evidence — even harder to stop.
What This Means for Tuchel’s England
For England, Spain’s 3-0 demolition of Austria is a direct warning: the reigning European champions look like the biggest obstacle between Thomas Tuchel’s side and the trophy. The wounds from the Euro 2024 final defeat have never fully healed, and a rematch on the biggest stage of all is a live possibility deep in the knockout rounds.
England came through Group L, and their route means any meeting with Spain would likely come in the latter stages. With Harry Kane leading the line and Jude Bellingham pulling the strings, Tuchel has the tools — but stopping an in-form Yamal and a clinical Oyarzabal is a different level of examination.
The Road Ahead: Who Can Stop Spain?
Spain now await their last-16 opponents as arguably the tournament favourites: three goals scored, none conceded, and their attack finally firing in sync. Oyarzabal’s movement, Porro’s threat from wide areas and Yamal’s one-on-one brilliance give them multiple ways to win any game.
The question hanging over the World Cup 2026 is no longer whether Spain will go deep — it is who, if anyone, can stop them. England fans will be hoping the answer wears white when it matters.
FAQ
What was the score in Spain vs Austria at the World Cup 2026?
Spain beat Austria 3-0 in Los Angeles on Thursday to reach the last 16 of the World Cup 2026. Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice and Pedro Porro headed in the third as the European champions dominated throughout.
Who was Spain’s star man against Austria?
Alongside two-goal Mikel Oyarzabal, Lamine Yamal stole the show. The 18-year-old winger tormented Austria down the right flank all night and was involved in the build-up to all three goals.
Could England face Spain at the World Cup 2026?
Yes — depending on how the knockout bracket unfolds, England and Spain could meet in the latter stages of the tournament. It would be a rematch of the Euro 2024 final, which Spain won in Berlin.
Why are Spain considered favourites to win the tournament?
Spain are the reigning European champions and have hit form at the perfect time: a 3-0 knockout win over Austria, a clean sheet, and match-winners in Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal. Few squads in the tournament are as deep or as balanced.
When do Spain play in the last 16?
Spain’s last-16 opponents and the exact date will be confirmed once the remaining ties in this round are completed. La Roja will go into that match as clear favourites.
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