Oyarzabal's brace powers Spain into World Cup last 16

Spain advanced to the Fifa World Cup 2026 round of 16 with a dominant 3-0 victory over Austria early Friday (3 July), as Mikel Oyarzabal struck twice to cap an impressive all-round display at SoFi Stadium in California.

The forward opened the scoring late in the first half before completing his brace in the closing minutes, while Pedro Porro netted his first international goal as Spain outclassed Austria to book a last-16 meeting with the winner of the Portugal-Croatia clash.

Spain gradually asserted control after an even opening and took the lead in the 36th minute. Marc Cucurella surged down the left before delivering a low cross that Oyarzabal calmly converted to put Luis de la Fuente's side ahead.

Austria looked to respond after the break and came close through Sasa Kalajdzic, whose header was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Unai Simón. But Spain soon tightened their grip on the contest.

Porro doubled the advantage in the 66th minute, finishing a slick team move to score his maiden goal for Spain and leave Austria with a mountain to climb.

Spain continued to dominate possession and created further opportunities before Oyarzabal sealed the victory in the 89th minute.

The striker latched onto another incisive pass from Cucurella and coolly slotted home for his second goal of the night.

Spain's defence was equally impressive, with Unai Simón preserving another clean sheet as Austria struggled to create clear-cut chances.

The shutout marked Spain's fourth consecutive clean sheet at the tournament, extending their unbeaten defensive run heading into the round of 16.

La Roja are now just one shutout away from matching the World Cup record of five successive clean sheets, jointly held by Italy (1990) and Switzerland (2006-10).

The convincing win underlined Spain's credentials as one of the tournament favourites, while Austria bowed out after being comprehensively outplayed in the round of 32.