Watch LIVE World Cup Round of 32 football at the JQ Bar and Grill on the 02/07/2026 at 8pm
Spain booked their place in the World Cup knockout rounds with an emphatic victory over Saudi Arabia after an underwhelming start to the tournament, easing concerns following their goalless draw with Cape Verde on matchday one. Luis de la Fuente’s side now head into the round of 32 full of confidence, with their blend of possession football and attacking quality beginning to click at the right time. La Roja have looked increasingly dangerous with Lamine Yamal at the heart of their forward play, while their defence has also tightened after keeping Saudi Arabia at bay. Spain are aiming to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2010, when they lifted the trophy, and another polished display would reinforce their status as one of the favourites to go all the way in North America.
Austria, meanwhile, have exceeded expectations to reach the knockout stage, collecting victories over Jordan and Argentina before narrowly losing to the group winners in their final match. Ralf Rangnick’s side have impressed with their organisation, pressing intensity and defensive resilience, although they now face their toughest assignment of the tournament against one of Europe’s elite. Das Team will believe they have the discipline and work rate to frustrate Spain, but they must also find a way to contain the creativity of Yamal and the technical quality throughout La Roja’s midfield. With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, Austria will hope to spring one of the biggest surprises of the World Cup, while Spain will be determined to avoid an upset and continue their pursuit of a second world title.
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