European champions Spain continue their pursuit of global glory as they face a potentially tricky World Cup test against Austria in the round of 32.
An opening misfire against Cape Verde did not prevent Luis de la Fuente’s side from topping Group H, with wins over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay ensured a safe progression. Their reward? An Austrian team that kept their own tournament hopes alive with a dramatic draw against Algeria, snatching an equaliser at the last to finish above their opponents and set up this intriguing tie.
Lamine Yamal and co. may just fancy their chances against a backline that struggled at times in that game. The teenager is back to full fitness after an injury-disrupted end to the Barcelona season and seeking to impress again on football’s biggest stage – though fitness questions elsewhere in the forward line pose selection problems for Spain, who haven’t won a World Cup knockout game since the 2010 final…
Follow all of the latest from the round of 32 clash with our live blog below:
Confirmed Austria XI
A Schlager; Posch, Danso, Alaba, Laimer; Seiwald, X Schlager; Schmid, Wanner, Sabitzer; Gregoritsch
David Alaba takes on familiar faces
One man who will know plenty in the Spanish ranks is Austria captain David Alaba, who has recently concluded his five-year spell with Real Madrid. The versatile veteran has had a somewhat curious international career, featuring just about everywhere for his nation as they sought to get the best out of probably their finest talent. His job today will be stalling Lamine Yamal and co.
Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2026 19:10
Confirmed Spain XI
Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarazabal
A surprisingly rare meeting
One might have thought that Spain and Austria were relatively familiar foes from various Uefa qualifying pools, but this is actually a first meeting since 2009 for the pair. Those of a certain vintage might remember their encounter during the 1978 World Cup, with Austria’s win helping them into the second group stage.
Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2026 19:00
Team news on the way
Right, we should have team news relatively sharp-ish from Los Angeles. Who will join Lamine Yamal in Spain’s front three?
Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2026 18:40
Spain close to full fitness for knockout test
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said his talent-rich squad was ready to face Austria in their World Cup last-32 match on Thursday with Lamine Yamal, Victor Munoz and Yeremy Pino all available for selection.
“What I am seeing this week is that the team is beginning to recognise things to fix in their results so far”, De la Fuente suggested.
Lamine Yamal’s game time has been managed carefully so far in the tournament, but De la Fuente said he was now available to play for as much of the match as required. The Barcelona forward has been eased through the tournament after an April hamstring tear, while Pino has recovered from a left shoulder sprain and Munoz is fit again after a muscle injury, though he has not competed for some time.
Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2026 18:30
Portugal or Croatia next for the winner
Today’s victor will face another in-continent foe with Portugal and Croatia set to battle a little later. Ahead of that one, Richard Jolly takes a look at the contrasting fortunes of Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo as the former teammates clash:
The Croatia player showing Cristiano Ronaldo just what he’s missing
Cristiano Ronaldo meets former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric, whose presence, Richard Jolly explains, highlights their contrasting World Cup legaciesHarry Latham-Coyle2 July 2026 18:20
About today’s venue
We’re in Los Angeles today, with Spain and Austria just starting to ready themselves at the ground usually known as SoFi Stadium. The sparkling arena will host one of the quarter-finals and has a capacity of 70,000.
Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2026 18:10
Who will win the World Cup? HAVE YOUR SAY
Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2026 18:00
Austria identify danger man
Austria coach Ralf Rangnick said football fans around the world love watching Lamine Yamal play – but stopping the Spain winger from showcasing his talent will be one of his side’s top priorities.
Spain have eased the 18-year-old back into action after he tore a hamstring in April, limiting him to 141 minutes over the three group games, during which he scored once.
“Lamine Yamal is an excellent player, and he will be for the next 12, 13 or 14 years, maybe even longer,” Rangnick said. “If he stays healthy and keeps a straight head on his `shoulders, he can play a lot of matches.
“He is one of the players we will watch very closely tomorrow, not to give him a lot of room or too many opportunities to start his dribbling actions. He is a player that all football fans, no matter where they are from, love to watch. But it is our task tomorrow to let him have the ball as little as possible.”
Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2026 17:50NewerOlder