The 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup round of 32 continues on Thursday, July 2, with a clash of contrasting styles as Spain meets Austria at Los Angeles Stadium at 3 p.
m. ET.
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Spain advanced by winning its group after a scoreless opener against Cape Verde, followed by a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia and a 1-0 win against Uruguay.
According to Foxsports.
com, Spain has not conceded a goal in the tournament, but enters the knockout stage with injury concerns.
Wingers Nico Williams and Yéremy Pino are not expected to start.
Their absences increase the pressure on Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena to support center forward Mikel Oyarzabal.
Spain relies heavily on its midfield trio of Pedri, Rodri, and Mikel Merino.
Meanwhile, manager Ralf Rangnick has implemented an intense, high-pressing system for Austria.
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Austria advanced after securing a late equalizer against Algeria following a match where they lost two leads.
Portugal vs Croatia in Toronto
The tournament schedule shifts to Canada at 7 p. m.
ET, where Portugal and Croatia face each other at Toronto Stadium.
Both teams had inconsistent group stages. Portugal drew against DR Congo and Colombia before defeating Uzbekistan 5-0.
Croatia bounced back from an opening 4-2 loss against England to defeat Panama 1-0 and Ghana 2-1.
The match highlights an encounter between former Real Madrid teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić, both over the age of 40.
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Portugal relies on Bruno Fernandes to drive the midfield tempo against Croatia's veteran midfield combination of Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, and Petar Sučić.
