Spain vs. Austria Picks – World Cup Round of 32 Betting Preview, Team News, and Predictions (Jul 2) 

• When: Wednesday, July 2, 2026. 3:00 PM ET
• Where: Los Angeles Stadium, USA
• How to Watch: FOX

Spain vs. Austria World Cup Preview

One of the favorites to win the FIFA World Cup will be in action in the round of 32 on July 2, as Spain bid to avoid a shock early exit against Austria. The reigning European champions will be heavily favored to reach the last 16, but is there any chance that the Austrians could upset the odds?

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Spain Stats & Team News

It has been a ruthless start to the 2026 World Cup for Luis de la Fuente’s Spain, as the reigning European champions have avoided defeat in all three of their fixtures and have kept three straight clean sheets. They have responded excellently since a shock 0-0 draw against Cape Verde on MD1, beating Saudi Arabia and Uruguay with ease.

Spain have scored five goals across those matches, and they have done an excellent job of easing Lamine Yamal into the tournament. Their possession-based style of play is well-suited to the hot climates in North America, but they do lack a natural number nine to convert chances, reflected after netting just once in the recent win against Uruguay, despite having a staggering 68% of the ball.

Likely Lineup:

(4-1-2-3) Simon (GK); Llorente, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri; Merino, Pedri; Yamal, Oyarzabal, Baena

Austria Stats & Team News

Progress has been made by Austria under Ralf Rangnick, but Das Team have struggled to reach the heights that they did in qualification during the World Cup to this point. Austria won just one of their three matches in Group J, and they salvaged second spot in the standings over the weekend with a late 3-3 draw against Algeria.

Defensively, they will need to improve if they are to threaten Spain, as they have allowed six goals in their three fixtures to this point. Meanwhile, it is worth noting that they haven’t progressed further than this stage at the World Cup since finishing third in 1954.

Likely Lineup:

(4-2-3-1) Schlager (GK); Posch, Lienhart, Alaba, Mwene; Seiwald, Schlager; Schmid, Laimer, Sabitzer; Arnautovic

Head-to-Head Stats

• Spain won the previous meeting between these nations 5-1 in an international friendly in 2009.
• Austria won 2-1 at the 1978 World Cup in the only competitive clash between the teams.

Spain vs. Austria World Cup Picks

Austria have performed below the standards that they set during qualifying at the World Cup, and they are very vulnerable against a talented Spanish team this week. Therefore, the logical play is to side with a victory for the reigning European champions.

• Spain (-335)