FIFA World Cup 2026: Who could Spain face in Round of 16?
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La Roja went top of Group H with a big win over Saudi Arabia.
Spain took a big step towards qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stages with a 4-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabia in their second Group H clash on June 21. The big win sent La Roja to the top of the group temporarily and put them in a good position to qualify for the knockout stages for the fourth consecutive edition.
A masterful performance from Mikel Oyarzabal – who set up Lamine Yamal’s opener before scoring twice in four minutes – set up a comfortable win for the two-time champions. A second-half own goal from Hassan Altambakti sealed the victory. The result marked a good comeback for the European giants after an opening-day draw with Cape Verde.
If the Spaniards can avoid defeat against Uruguay in their final group-stage game on June 26, they will reach the newly established Round of 32 stage, which begins on June 29. Let’s see the potential opponents for La Roja in the knockout stages.
Also Read: Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia: Five key takeaways from FIFA World Cup 2026 clash
Spain’s possible knockout opponents
Based on the current standings across all 12 groups, Spain will face Austria, who are second in Group J, in the Round of 32 fixture. That match will take place on July 1 in Los Angeles. The Austrian side are currently below Argentina in their group based on goal difference.
If La Roja progress to the Round of 16, they will face the winner of the match between the Group K runners-up and the Group L runners-up on July 2 in Toronto. As things stand, that match will be between Ghana and DR Congo. The Round of 16 clash will take place on July 5 in Arlington.
If Luis de la Fuente’s side win that match and progress to the quarter-finals, they will face any one of the USA, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia, or New Zealand in a clash in Los Angeles on July 10.
This is all based on the current group standings, which are subject to change as one round of group-stage matches remains.
Who could Spain face in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32?
Based on current standings, they would face Austria (Group J runners‑up) on July 1 in Los Angeles.
Who could Spain face in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16?
They would meet the winner of Ghana vs DR Congo (Group K runners‑up vs Group L runners‑up) on July 5 in Toronto.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.