Spain will face Austria in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, July 2, at 21:00 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The match, which will be broadcast free of charge on Spain’s TVE La 1 and RTVE Play, marks the knockout-stage encounter for Luis de la Fuente’s team following their Group H victory over Uruguay.
Spain’s Path to the Round of 16
Spain secured first place in Group H after a win against Uruguay, a result that saw the team advance to the knockout rounds. The victory, however, came at a cost, as Nico Williams and Yéremy Pino sustained injuries during the match. Williams, a player for Athletic, suffered a muscular injury in his right adductor after De la Cruz brought him down, while Pino suffered an acromioclavicular sprain after a fall. Both players are previsiblemente no estarán disponibles para los próximos choques.
“Me provocaron una nueva lesión tras una acción en la que un compañero de profesión actuó llevado por la frustración, el descontento y la tristeza por la situación que atravesaba. Fue una jugada que se podía haber evitado porque era completamente innecesaria”, lamentó en un comunicado publicado en sus redes sociales.
Austria’s Journey to the Knockout Stage
Austria, the second-place finisher in Group J, advanced to the Round of 16 after a draw with Algeria in the final Group J match. A goal by Kalajdzic in the 96th minute secured their passage. The Austrians, led by David Alaba, will now face Spain in a match that favors the Spanish.
Historically, Spain has dominated encounters against Austria. Their most recent meeting, a 5-1 friendly win in 2009, highlights the gulf in quality between the two teams. The last time the team led by David Alaba defeated Spain was in 1990, when the Roja fell 2-3 against the Austrian team.
Where to Watch the Match
The Spain vs. Austria match will be available on multiple platforms. In Spain, it will air on TVE’s La 1 channel and via the RTVE Play app. It is also emitted on the DAZN Mundial channel, which counts with the rights to the 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup and is available on the platforms of DAZN, Movistar Plus+, and Orange TV. Fans can also follow the match live on ABC.es, which will provide the most complete chronicle at the end of the match.
Key Players and Tactical Considerations
Spain’s attack will need to adapt to the absence of Williams and Pino.
What This Means for the Tournament
Spain’s path to the final appears favorable, but their recent injuries and the physical demands of the knockout stage could test their depth.
Next Steps and Fan Engagement
The Round of 16 match is the next confirmed checkpoint for Spain.
