Spain ended a 16-year winless run in World Cup knockout rounds after beating Austria at the current 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, recording their first victory in knockout football since they claimed their only world title in 2010.
Spain comfortably defeated Austria 3-0 in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup, with goals by Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro, delivering a polished performance. They will face the winner of the Portugal–Croatia match in the round of 16.
Spain had struggled since their triumph in South Africa in 2010, when Andrés Iniesta broke the deadlock against the Netherlands in extra time in the final. They subsequently failed to win a single knockout match across three consecutive World Cup editions.
Spain exited the 2014 World Cup in Brazil in the group stage, finishing third in their group after losing 5-1 to the Netherlands and 2-0 to Chile, before recording their only win against Australia.
At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, they went out in the round of 16 to the host nation, losing on penalties 3-4 after drawing 1-1 through 90 and 120 minutes.
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the same scenario repeated itself as they were eliminated in the round of 16 by Morocco on penalties 0-3 after a goalless draw — until they finally broke the hoodoo with victory over Austria, claiming their first knockout-round win in 16 years.