Oyarzabal’s brace sends Spain into World Cup last 16 (Photos)

European champions Spain produced one of their most complete performances of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to defeat Austria 3-0 on Thursday, with striker Mikel Oyarzabal scoring twice as Luis de la Fuente’s side comfortably advanced to the last 16.

Oyarzabal struck in either half before Pedro Porro added his first international goal, ensuring Spain ended a dominant evening at Los Angeles Stadium with a deserved victory over an Austrian side that struggled to cope with La Roja’s relentless movement, possession and attacking quality.

Spain entered the knockout clash determined to avoid a third consecutive World Cup elimination in the first knockout round after penalty shootout defeats to Russia in 2018 and Morocco in 2022.

Instead, they produced a commanding display that underlined their status among the tournament favourites.

The Spaniards made a blistering start and nearly took the lead inside the opening minute when teenage sensation Lamine Yamal burst through on goal, only to be denied by goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.

Austria gradually settled into the contest, limiting Spain’s clear-cut opportunities, but the pressure continued to build.

Marc Cucurella thought he had broken the deadlock after 29 minutes, only for the effort to be ruled out following a VAR review that penalized Pau Cubarsi for a foul in the build-up.

The breakthrough finally arrived nine minutes later.

Pedri threaded an intelligent pass into Cucurella on the left, and the defender calmly squared the ball across the six-yard box for Oyarzabal, who swept home from close range for his 16th international goal in as many appearances.

Spain nearly doubled their advantage before halftime when Alex Baena rattled the crossbar with a curling free kick before Schlager produced an outstanding save to deny Yamal on the rebound.

Austria attempted to inject fresh energy after the interval with a double substitution, but Spain quickly reasserted control.

Their second goal came in the 66th minute when Baena raced to the byline and delivered a perfectly weighted cross for the advancing Porro, whose powerful header beat Schlager to register his maiden goal for the national team.

The two-goal cushion effectively ended Austria’s hopes despite Ralf Rangnick introducing Sasa Kalajdzic and Marko Arnautovic in search of a response.

Kalajdzic squandered Austria's best chance moments after coming on, heading narrowly over from Marcel Sabitzer’s inviting cross.

Spain remained in complete control, dominating possession while continuing to threaten on the counterattack.

Their superiority was rewarded again in the 89th minute as Cucurella collected his second assist of the evening, driving another low cross into the area for Oyarzabal to finish clinically into the bottom corner and complete his brace.

The convincing victory sends Spain into the World Cup last 16, where they will face the winner of the Portugal-Croatia clash, while Austria’s spirited tournament run comes to an end after their first appearance in the knockout stages since 1954.

Photos