Spain
World CupWhy this tip?
Spain’s control and depth in attacking areas should give them the edge but if Austria remain compact in defence, they could be a tough nut to crack. The class of the Spanish team and the strength of their bench make me predict a 2-0 win for La Roja.
Match Preview
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
Matchday: Round of 32
Date: 02 July 2026
Kick-off time: 21:00(SA Time)
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
Match Details
2010 Winners Spain will start as huge favorites in this Round 32 clash against Austria. This all-European clash is the second only World Cup encounter between the sides with the Austrians winning the previous one 2-1 back in 1978. Spain have been regulars in the knockout stage of big competitions while the Austrians are playing their first World Cup knockout game in 70 years. The match will be played at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California while. South African viewers can catch the action from 21:00 (SA time) on Thursday, 2 July.
Why This Match Matters
Spain came into the tournament as one of the World Cup favorites with the likes of Yamal and Rodri in their lineup. Their first match ended in a goalless draw against the minnows Cape Verde and they looked a shadow of a team ranked in the top three but the return of Yamal has changed their fortunes with two wins on the bounce to top the group. The talented blend of experienced leaders and exciting young stars, La Roja know that anything less than a deep run would be considered a disappointment.
Austria on the other hand have already exceeded expectations and anything from here will be considered a bonus. They have shown they can trouble the Spanish if they can get their strikers into the game with pinpoint crosses. Ralf Rangnick’s side are capable of causing one of the great World Cup upsets if they can keep Yamal quite.
Spain v Austria Head-to-Head Stats
Previous Meetings
Spain have dominated the recent encounters between the sides, winning four of the last five with the other match ending in a draw. These teams have however only met in the World Cup once before with Austria coming away with a 2-1 win in the 1978 tournament.
Spain’s Recent Form
Spain’s last five matches: DWDWW
Recent results include:
28/06/2026 (World Cup): Uruguay 0-1 Spain
21/06/2026 (World Cup): Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia
15/06/2026 (World Cup): Spain 0-0 Cape Verde
09/06/2026 (Friendly): Peru 1-3 Spain
04/06/2026 (Friendly): Spain 1-1 Iraq
Recent form:
Spain head into the Round of 32 clash full of confidence as they are undefeated in their last 13 matches. They did not have the best of starts in the tournament as they were surprisingly held to a goalless draw to debutants Cape Verde. That was the wakeup call they needed as they bounced back with a convincing 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia before clinching top spot in the group with a hard fought 1-0 win over Uruguay.
Austria’s Recent Form
Austria’s last five matches: WWWLD
Recent results include:
28/06/2026 (World Cup): Algeria 3-3 Austria
22/06/2026 (World Cup): Argentina 2-0 Austria
17/06/2026 (World Cup): Austria 3-1 Jordan
01/06/2026 (Friendly): Austria 1-0 Tunisia
31/03/2026 (Friendly): Austria 1-0 South Korea
Recent form:Austria head into the Round of 32 clash with Spain in decent form with three wins, one draw and one defeat from their last five matches. They began their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Jordan before falling 2-0 to defending champions Argentina. The Austrians then showed great courage in fighting back from 3-2 down against Algeria to equalize in the 96th minute of the match. The draw was enough for them to secure the second qualifying position in the group.
Team News
Spain Team News
Luis de la Fuente’s biggest selection issue is in the midfield where Mikel Merino was given the nod against Uruguay, but Fabian Ruiz, Dani Olmo and Gavi could possibly replace him.
Injuries: Yeremy Pino, Nico Williams and Victor Munoz are all in doubt for this match.
Suspensions: No suspensions.
Key players to watch: Lamine Yamal is the X-Factor player in this Spain team with his pace and creativity. The team looked flat without him in the opening match but look revitalised since his return. Spain will rely on Rodri to control the tempo and provide the control in midfield. Dani Olmo is the important link between the midfield and the forward players. Up front, Mikel Oyarzabal will be expected to convert chances, while Unai Simón and the centre-back pairing of Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte provide the defensive foundation against Austria’s physical attack.
Austria Team News
Veterans Marko Arnautovic and David Alaba went the distance in their crucial 3-3 draw with Austria and may be a little fatigued but the importance of this match should see both players fit.
Injuries: There are no injury concerns for Austria.
Suspensions: No suspensions
Key players to watch: Despite being in the twilight of his career, Marko Arnautović is the only Austria player with more than one goal in the World Cup and will again be the target man for his team. They will need Marcel Sabitzer to provide creativity and drive from midfield, while Konrad Laimer’s energy and pressing will be vital in disrupting Spain’s rhythm. Captain David Alaba and Kevin Danso will be key in snuffing out the Spanish attacks led by Yamal. Goalkeeper Alexander Schlager will need to be at his best as he will be the busier of the two keepers.
Predicted Lineups
Spain Predicted XI
Unai Simón; Marcos Llorente, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Álex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal
Austria Predicted XI
Alexander Schlager; Stefan Posch, Kevin Danso, David Alaba, Phillipp Mwene; Nicolas Seiwald, Xaver Schlager; Konrad Laimer, Paul Wanner, Marcel Sabitzer;
Marko Arnautovic
Best Betting Markets for Spain v Austria
Match Winner
Prediction: Spain to win @ (1.36) at Hollywoodbets
Over/Under Goals
Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals @(1.98) at WSB
Both Teams to Score
Prediction: Both Teams to Score- No @ (1.61) at Betway
Anytime Goalscorer
Prediction: Yamal to score anytime @ (2.25) at Easybet
Spain v Austria Prediction
Best Bet
Prediction: Spain to win and under 2.5 goals @(3.15) at Hollywoodbets
Correct Score Prediction
Prediction: Spain 2-0 Austria @ (6.50) at Easybet
With the action of the World Cup group stage heating up, there are still loads of other football matches taking place. Topbets’ Daily Football Predictions has got you covered with all the latest tips and predictions for the footie action taking place every day.
Match analysis and verdict
Spain thrives on dominating possession through Rodri and Pedri as they can control the tempo and dictate the speed of the game. The creativity of Dani Olmo and the pace of Lamine Yamal will be key in breaking down Austria’s defensive structure.
Austria, however, are dangerous on the counter and will rely heavily on the experience of Marcel Sabitzer and the energy of Konrad Laimer to transition quickly. Marko Arnautović remains their main attacking outlet, capable of holding up play and finishing chances under pressure. His strength in the air will be crucial if his wingers can get the ball into the box.
Spain’s control and depth in attacking areas should give them the edge but if Austria remain compact in defence, they could be a tough nut to crack. The class of the Spanish team and the strength of their bench make me predict a 2-0 win for La Roja.
Prediction: Spain 2 – 0 Austria
Writer / Betting tipster
I am what you call a sporting all-rounder with my favourite sports being rugby, football and cricket. I have been actively writing rugby and football articles for the last decade. These include previews, reviews and interesting topical pieces. I am a huge fan of Liverpool and a passionate supporter of the Springboks. My interests in recent years have also included iGaming as this is one of the fastest growing betting markets. Follow me for the best rugby odds in South Africa as I continue to find you the best bookie to place your bets.
