Spain news

Luis de la Fuente has acknowledged that Lamine Yamal has not yet reached his absolute peak at the 2026 World Cup, despite Spain's dominant victory over Austria. The national team manager remains completely unfazed by the teenager's lack of goals in the tournament, firmly backing his prized prodigy to make a defining impact very soon.

Spain outclassed Austria in Los Angeles to reach the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup courtesy of a 3-0 win on Thursday. The European champions avoided any sort of scare by dominating proceedings from the outset, securing a comfortable victory through Mikel Oyarzabal's brace and a header from Pedro Porro as they belatedly clicked into gear at the tournament.

Santi Cazorla has announced his retirement from professional football, ending a career that lasted more than 20 years. The former Arsenal and Spain midfielder signed off after helping boyhood club Real Oviedo return to La Liga last year, completing a memorable final chapter following one of football's greatest comeback stories.

Andres Iniesta has backed Lamine Yamal to guide Spain to a second World Cup star, despite the teenager battling injury issues. Iniesta also highlighted the brilliance of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, who lead the scoring charts. Spain have progressed to face Austria, while France have already reached the last 16 in a highly unpredictable tournament.

Spain are yet to concede at this summer’s finals, with the lowest xGA in the tournament. Their clash with Austria is a defensive bettor’s dream.

Spain midfielder Gavi has delivered the ultimate compliment to his Barcelona and international team-mate Lamine Yamal, claiming the 18-year-old sensation is the finest player in world football when excluding Lionel Messi. The duo are chasing World Cup glory, with Gavi backing the recovering winger to handle the immense pressure during their knockout campaign.

George Weah has dismissed comparisons between Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, insisting the Frenchman is 'far superior'. The former Ballon d'Or winner delivered a glowing assessment of the France captain as Les Bleus continue their charge at the 2026 World Cup.

Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal has publicly encouraged Julian Alvarez to swap Atletico Madrid for the Camp Nou, insisting the Argentine would be joining the "best club in the world." The teenage sensation spoke out as speculation intensifies regarding the striker's future following a reported breakdown in his relationship with Diego Simeone.

Marcelo Bielsa has delivered a characteristically intense and philosophical farewell to the Uruguay national team following their shock group-stage exit from the World Cup. The Argentine tactician used a marathon 100-minute press conference to reflect on a "very painful" exit, arriving armed with a dossier of data to defend his side's tactical output.

Lamine Yamal has sent a defiant message to Spain’s World Cup rivals, insisting that Didier Deschamps’ France side are not superior to La Roja. The Barcelona sensation is full of confidence as the tournament enters the knockout stages, sensationally predicting that he will lift the trophy in North America.

Lamine Yamal has confidently embraced the massive pressure of wearing the number 10 shirt for Barcelona and starring for Spain at the 2026 World Cup. The teenage sensation has also delivered a positive fitness update, confirming he is fully prepared to play 90 minutes in the upcoming knockout fixtures despite recent injury concerns and a cautious approach in the group stages.

We’ve got three Spain vs Austria predictions as they go head-to-head in the World Cup Round of 32 on Thursday, 2 July. Only one can progress.

Comprehensive match preview of Spain vs Austria at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more ahead of this round of 32 clash at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.