Spain booked their ticket to the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Austria in Los Angeles with Marc Cucurella involved in all three of La Roja’s goals.
The left-back was unfortunate to have a goal himself harshly ruled out as it would have given Spain the lead on 29 minutes. Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg instead awarded a foul on goalkeeper Alexander Schlager in the build-up.
He then made amends by claiming the assist for Mikel Oyarzabal’s goal less than 10 minutes later as Cucurella
broke down the left flank and placed a perfectly-placed low cross to the Real Sociedad captain to score his third goal of the tournament.
The new Real Madrid signing was also involved in the build-up to the second goal for Spain, playing a through ball on the edge of the box to Álex Baena who crossed to Tottenham right-back Pedro Porro to score from close range with a smart header.
He then provided the assist for the third goal with impressive vision to play a through ball from deep to set up Oyarzaval for his second goal of the game.
It was an assured performance from the defender beyond his offensive contribution, recording 92% pass completion, including all of his crosses finding their targets, and winning two defensive duels. He also played the full 90 minutes, meaning he and Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsí are the only outfield players to have played every minute of action in the tournament for Spain.
The result means that the 2010 champions are into the round of 16, where they will face either Portugal or Croatia, depending on who wins that tie later on Thursday evening, in Dallas on Monday. The winner of that tie would then earn a quarter-final place against either the United States or Belgium, to be played next Friday in Los Angeles.
It also means elimination for former Real Madrid man David Alaba, who captained Austria. Playing as a central defender for Austria, the 34-year-old veteran’s first World Cup campaign has come to an end with heartbreak.
