Spain to face Austria in World Cup 2026 round of 32

Spain and Austria will meet on July 2 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, in the World Cup 2026 round of 32. Spain entered the knockout stage as Group H winners, unbeaten in three matches, with a perfect defensive record – no goals conceded and only one shot on target faced. The Spanish side, coached by Luis de la Fuente, relies on a midfield trio of Pedri, Rodri and Fabian Ruiz and forward talent such as Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal.

Austria qualified as one of the best third‑placed teams, reaching the knockout stage for the first time since 1954. Under Ralf Rangnick, they finished second in Group J after a dramatic 3‑3 draw with Algeria that secured their progress. Their squad features Bundesliga‑based players like Konrad Laimer and Marcel Sabitzer, with Marko Arnautović leading the attack.

The match also attracts attention beyond sport. It is one of the most crypto‑saturated events of the tournament, with Kraken and other blockchain platforms offering on‑chain prediction markets and fan‑token activity tied to the game. Public viewings are organized in Austria and Spain, and the encounter pits contrasting tactical philosophies – Spain’s possession‑based control versus Austria’s high‑pressing intensity.