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:
The magic moment that kept Austria’s World Cup alive in epic draw with Algeria
A draw suited both Austria and Algeria in their final fixture, but both teams properly went for it – and served up a magic World Cup moment right at the last:
Austria’s route through
It was one of each for Austria in the group stage as they successfully navigated out of Group J…just!
Austria 3-1 Jordan
Austria 0-2 Argentina
Austria 3-3 Algeria
How Spain got here
Spain’s goalless draw with Cape Verde represented an inauspicious start to the tournament – though perhaps looks better in retrospect. Two wins thereafter were required and achieved.
Spain 0-0 Cape Verde
Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia
Spain 1-0 Uruguay
World Cup 2026 fixtures, latest results and full tournament bracket
Onwards the knockout rounds roll – here’s every result so far and the full World Cup bracket.
Spain vs Austria LIVE
Spain and Austria battle for a round of 16 place in an intriguing knockout clash at the World Cup. An opening draw with Cape Verde did not prevent the European champions from topping their group, but this could be a tricky test for Luis de la Fuente’s team against an experienced and high-quality Austrian outfit.
Kick off is at 8pm BST.
