Spain v Austria: 2026 World Cup Prediction

Spain are certainly not playing convincingly yet, but after three matches they have still not conceded a goal and have simply qualified for the next round. Their first match in the knockout stage is against Austria, managed by Ralf Rangnick, the former Manchester United manager. Could the Alpine nation perhaps pull off a massive upset? Or will it be Lamine Yamal and his Spanish teammates who send Austria packing? Here is our Spain v Austria prediction.

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Spain v Austria preview

We’ve already seen several major upsets during this World Cup. What about Paraguay knocking Germany out? Can Austria pull off a similar feat? Here’s a brief look at both teams.

Current Form & Team News

Spain

Spain will be delighted to have come through their match against Uruguay virtually unscathed. La Furia Roja had already qualified for the next round, but had to dodge a few South American tackles to ensure that everyone made it through. However, it looks as though the tournament is over for Jeremy Pino. The Crystal Palace striker injured his collarbone and is highly likely to miss the rest of the World Cup. In addition, Nico Williams’ availability remains uncertain, as the Athletic left winger is still not fit.

Austria

After their late equaliser against Algeria, Austria will have realised that miracles do happen after all. Algeria seemed to be heading for victory after a late 3-2 goal from Riyad Mahrez. That was until Sasa Kalajdzic scored for Austria in the 96th minute. This meant that both Algeria and Austria were level on four points, allowing both nations to progress to the knockout. The question, however, is: can Austria’s somewhat shaky defence withstand the Spanish onslaught? Having conceded six goals in three matches, that is by no means a certainty.

Head-to-Head

Spain and Austria have faced each other nine times in the past. It will come as no surprise that Spain have had the upper hand. The Southern Europeans have come out on top six times, whilst Austria have won twice. There was one draw. The last edition, played in 2009, ended in a 5–1 victory for Spain.

Predicted line-ups

Spain (4–3–3):

Simon, Cucurella, Laporte, Cubarsi, Porro, Rodri, Olmo, Pedri, Torres, Oyarzabal, Yamal

Austria (4-3-3):

Schlager, Mwene, Alaba, Lienhart, Posch, Schlager, Siewald, Gregoritsch, Sabitzer, Arnautovic, Schmid

Spain v Austria betting tips

Betting tip 1: Marc Cucurella to have more than 0.5 shots on target

He was once one of the most irritating players in the Getafe side that played against Ajax, but Marc Cucurella is now one of the best left-backs in the world. It’s no coincidence that he’ll be playing for Real Madrid next season. The attacking full-back has managed one shot on target in two matches in this tournament – something he often does in matches where Spain are clearly in the ascendancy. We expect this against Austria and anticipate that the curly-haired player will have at least one shot on target. If Marc Cucurella has more than 0.5 shots on target, you’ll get odds of 4.40.

Betting tip 2: Under 0.5 goals for Austria

We think Austria are in for a very tough match. Primarily because of the rock-solid midfield and the presence of the lethal Lamine Yamal. Furthermore, Spain kept a clean sheet in all three of their group matches. We therefore expect Austria to fail to score as well. Betting on Austria to score fewer than 0.5 goals gives you odds of 1.76.

Prediction: Spain v Austria

** Final score: Spain 2–0 Austria **
We think Spain will dominate; they won’t secure a landslide victory, but they won’t give much away either. In short: a comfortable 2–0 win for Luis de la Fuente’s side.