He’s Back to Haunt England! Oyarzabal, the Man Who Broke Wembley Hearts, Is Firing Spain Through World Cup 2026

Two goals against Austria, and Spain are into the last 16 of World Cup 2026. The man who scored them? Not Lamine Yamal, whose name dominates the replica shirts outside Los Angeles Stadium. It was Mikel Oyarzabal — the 29-year-old Real Sociedad striker the BBC once dubbed the ‘invisible man’, and now calls ‘Spain’s most decisive player’. England fans know the name all too well. It was Oyarzabal’s 86th-minute finish that won the Euro 2024 final at Spain’s expense of Gareth Southgate’s side. If Thomas Tuchel’s England meet Spain again in this tournament, he is the danger they simply cannot ignore.

What Oyarzabal Did to Austria

Oyarzabal scored twice as Spain eased past Austria in their last-32 tie at Los Angeles Stadium, booking a comfortable place in the last 16 of World Cup 2026. BBC Sport’s Gary Rose, reporting from the ground, summed it up perfectly: the player who is perhaps not the biggest name in this Spain squad is the one who has so far shone the brightest.

The contrast could hardly be sharper. Before every Spain game, the cameras hunt for Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s 18-year-old phenomenon. But once the whistle goes, it is the Real Sociedad captain who keeps deciding matches. Who saw that coming two years ago?

The Man Who Broke England’s Hearts at Euro 2024

English supporters need no introduction to Oyarzabal. His clipped 86th-minute finish won the Euro 2024 final in Berlin, denying England a first men’s major trophy since 1966 and sealing a 2-1 win for Spain. One touch, one goal, one nation left heartbroken.

That is the pattern with Oyarzabal: he does not dominate headlines, he decides finals. For a player once written off after a serious knee injury in March 2022, his transformation under Luis de la Fuente into Spain’s big-game striker has been remarkable — and, from an English point of view, thoroughly ominous.

Why the ‘Invisible Man’ Tag No Longer Fits

The nickname came from his career path. Oyarzabal has spent his entire club career at Real Sociedad, far from the spotlight that follows Real Madrid and Barcelona players. No galactico transfer, no social media circus — just goals in the moments that matter most.

Under de la Fuente, he became the trusted focal point of the European champions’ attack. Now, at World Cup 2026, he is outshining team-mates with ten times his profile. ‘Invisible’ is the last word anyone at this tournament would use to describe him.

The Tactical Problem He Poses for Tuchel’s England

If England and Spain cross paths in the knockout rounds, the trap is obvious: double up on Yamal, and Oyarzabal punishes the space in the middle. Sit narrow to protect the box, and Yamal tears down the right. It is the same dilemma that undid England at Wembley-on-Berlin two years ago, now sharpened further.

Tuchel’s England, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham leading a new-look squad, have the firepower to trade blows with anyone. But the Euro 2024 final proved that against this Spain side, one lapse of concentration is all it takes. And no one exploits a lapse quite like Oyarzabal.

Spain’s Road Ahead — and What It Means for England

Spain advance to the last 16 as reigning European champions and one of the outright favourites for World Cup 2026, unbeaten in the tournament so far. Their next opponents will come from the other last-32 tie on their side of the draw.

The question now is whether Oyarzabal can sustain this form deep into the knockout stages. At 29, this is likely his last World Cup at his physical peak — and he is playing like a man who knows it. England have unfinished business with Spain. Unfortunately for them, so does Oyarzabal with big finals.

FAQ