Getting their World Cup Round of 36 adventure underway on Thursday night, Spain will meet Austria in California.
With the 2026 World Cup knockout stage now firmly underway, there are a host of noteworthy betting promotions available this summer.
Verdict: Spain win
Best Odds: 4/11
Bookmaker:Â 1xBet
Spain
Starting with Spain, while La Roja might have opened their North American adventure with an infamous 0-0 stalemate against World Cup debutants Cape Verde on June 15th, the European giants have certainly proven that toothless performance was nothing more than a minor blip. Eventually cruising their way to top spot in Group H, Luis de la Fuente’s superstar squad registered seven points from their three showdowns in North America so far this summer. Signing off proceedings with a gritty 1-0 victory against Uruguay, La Roja have gained a reputation for their rugged approach. In fact, the former World Cup champions have not shipped a single strike so far this summer. Likewise, de le Fuente’s side have not lost a competitive showdown across any competition since way back in March 2024.
Spain Team News
Opening his World Cup account during Spain’s thumping 4-0 victory against Saudi Arabia on June 21st, 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal should play a leading role in the final third. Completing a blockbuster move to Spanish giants Real Madrid a fortnight ago, Marc Cucurella will start at left-back.
Bagging what turned out to be the winner against Uruguay last week, Atletico Madrid’s Alex Baena should keep his spot from the start. Despite continued speculation over his future with Premier League heavyweights Manchester City, Rodri will start in the middle of the park.
Austria
As for Austria, while Austria might have wrapped up a knockout stage ticket as they clinched a silver medal finish behind reigning world champions Argentina in Group J, it is fair to say that Ralf Rangnick’s camp have largely struggled to find their free in North America. Signing off their group stage adventure with a pulsating 3-3 stalemate against Algeria last week, the one-time Manchester United boss will be bracing himself for a monumental challenge when his squad arrives in California on Thursday night. Likewise, continuing on from their World Cup qualifying campaign last year, Austria have won just a pair of their previous six competitive appearances. Hit with a nightmare 5-1 drumming when they last met Spain back in November 2009, Rangnick’s side have an almighty challenge on their hands here.
Austria Team News
Suffering a summer-ending thigh injury prior to this summer’s tournament, RB Leipzig midfielder Christoph Baumgartner won’t play any part in North America. Only making a cameo appearance against Algeria last week, Tottenham’s Kevin Danso will make a full return at the heart of Austria’s defence.
Once again finding the net last weekend and notching a second World Cup strike of the summer, veteran marksman Marko Arnautovic should spearhead Austria’s charge in the final third. Announcing that he will be leaving Real Madrid at the end of his current contract this summer, David Alaba will start in a more central role.
Spain vs Austria Key Factors to Consider
- When Spain and Austria last met back in November 2009 for a friendly showdown, La Roja stormed their way to a thumping 5-1 victory.
- In fact, Spain are unbeaten in all of their previous five meetings against Austria (four wins, one draw).
- La Roja did not concede a single strike in any of their three Group H appearances.
- Extending on from their World Cup qualifying adventure last year, Austria have won just a pair of their previous six competitive appearances.
- Four of Spain’s last six appearances have finished with under 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Gaining a real reputation for their defensive grit in North America this summer, Spain will be looking to make another statement here. Getting their knockout stage adventure underway in California, La Roja are yet to concede a single World Cup strike so far and they are rightfully installed as a standout contender. Landing a routine 5-1 romp when they last met Austria way back in November 2009, they also hold a dominant historic record against Thursday’s opponents. With their sights fixed on recapturing their World Cup crown this summer, we are backing a convincing Spanish performance.
Verdict: Spain win
Best Odds: 4/11
Bookmaker:Â 1xBet
