2026 World Cup: Spain vs. Austria, Probable Lineups

Spain and Austria face off at 9 p.m. (Italian time) in Los Angeles in a match for the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup in North America. The Red Fury easily won their group: after a disappointing draw in their opener against Cape Verde, the Spanish defeated Saudi Arabia and Uruguay; Austria, on the other hand, finished second in Group J, defeating Jordan and drawing with Algeria. Their only loss came against Messi’s Argentina.

The European champions are clear favorites, even though they haven’t particularly shone so far. Luis De la Fuente is expected to start the attacking trio of Yamal, Oyarzabal, and Baena from the opening whistle, with Rodri in the playmaker role in midfield alongside central midfielders Pedri and Fabian Ruiz. Marcos Llorente and Cucurella are the two fullbacks.

Rangnick hopes to have his two pillars, Alaba and Arnautic, back for the Austrian national team’s most important match in the last 72 years (it’s been a long time since they advanced past the group stage). But up front from the start could be Gregoritsch, with the trio of Laimer, Sabitzer, and Schmid behind him. In midfield, Schlager will partner with Seiwald.

Spain vs. Austria: Probable Lineups
SPAIN (4-3-3): Unai Simon; Marcos Llorente, Cubarsì, Laporte, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz; Yamal, Oyarzabal, Baena.
AUSTRIA (4-2-3-1): A. Schlager; Posch, Lienhart, Danso, Mwene; Seiwald, X. Schlager; Laimer, Sabitzer, Schmid; Gregoritsch.