Spain vs Austria Live Score, FIFA World Cup 2026, Round 32: ESP 1-0 AUS; Mikel Oyarzabal leads Spain – The Tech Word News

Spain vs Austria Live Score, FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32: Spain will look to defend their status as one of the favorites at the FIFA World Cup when they face Austria in the round of 32 on Thursday, with a place in the last 16 up for grabs.

Luis de la Fuente’s side topped Group H with seven points after drawing 0-0 with Cape Verde before beating Saudi Arabia 4-0 and Uruguay 1-0. While Spain are still not in top gear, the head coach believes his team is improving with each match.

“This team is used to breaking records and overcoming rough spots; we are determined to keep going,” de la Fuente said, adding that the players are beginning to identify areas for improvement as the tournament progresses.

Austria, meanwhile, are enjoying their best World Cup campaign in more than seven decades. Ralf Rangnick’s men finished second in Group J after beating Jordan 3-1, losing 2-0 to Argentina and drawing 3-3 with Algeria. Despite Austria scoring six goals in the group stage, Rangnick admitted his side need to raise their level against the unbeaten Spanish side.

One of Austria’s biggest challenges will be stopping 18-year-old Lamine Yamal. The Spanish winger has returned from a hamstring injury and is expected to play a bigger role in the knockout rounds after scoring once during the group stage.

Historically, Spain have the upper hand, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches against Austria, although their last World Cup meeting ended in a 2-1 victory for Austria in 1978.

The winner of Thursday’s clash will advance to the round of 16 with either Portugal or Croatia, with both sides fighting for a place in the final 16 of the tournament.