Spain vs. Austria projected lineups, starting 11 for World Cup Round of 32 game in Los Angeles

Spain and Austria meet on Thursday at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles in a World Cup Round of 32 clash, with a place in the last 16 on the line.

La Roja reached the knockouts as Group H winners, taking seven points from nine and not conceding a single goal, sealing top spot with a 1-0 win over Uruguay through an Alex Baena strike.

Austria came through as Group J runners-up behind Argentina, scraping into the last 32 with a dramatic 3-3 draw against Algeria that Sasa Kalajdzic rescued with a 96th-minute equaliser.

Spain arrive on a 34-match unbeaten run in all competitions and are yet to concede at this World Cup, making them strong favorites to go through. Austria, in the knockout rounds for the first time since 1954, have not beaten Spain since 1990.

Here is how we expect the teams to line up.

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Spain projected starting 11

(4-3-3, right to left): 23. U. Simon (GK) — 5. M. Llorente, 22. P. Cubarsi, 14. A. Laporte, 24. M. Cucurella — 6. M. Merino, 16. Rodri, 20. Pedri — 19. Lamine Yamal, 21. M. Oyarzabal, 15. A. Baena

• Injured: Y. Pino (shoulder), N. Williams (adductor), V. Munoz (thigh)
• Suspended: None

Spain are missing Yeremy Pino, Nico Williams and Victor Munoz due to injury, which has left their forward line looking depleted.

Still, they can call upon in-form Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal in addition to Lamine Yamal, who has openly admitted he has been relishing the start of the knockout phase.

The team is otherwise largely set, with Unai Simon still preferred to Arsenal's David Raya in goal.

Austria projected starting 11

(4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. A. Schlager (GK) — 5. S. Posch, 15. P. Lienhart, 8. D. Alaba, 16. P. Mwene — 6. N. Seiwald, 4. X. Schlager — 20. K. Laimer, 18. R. Schmid, 9. M. Sabitzer — 7. M. Arnautovic

• Injured: None
• Suspended: None

Defender David Alaba and striker Marko Arnautovic are both nursing knocks, but it is hoped that they will be ready to start.

Austria's industrious side will make life difficult for Spain, particularly through the running and counter-pressing of Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer, but there are concerns about fatigue levels potentially making things difficult for them in the latter stages of the game.

Spain vs. Austria predictions, betting odds

Spain have been the meanest defence at the tournament and have yet to concede, while Austria have not kept a clean sheet in 12 straight World Cup matches. Even with their attacking injuries, La Roja should have too much quality and progress to the last 16. 

• Score prediction: Spain 2-1 Austria

Spain vs. Austria World Cup rosters

Here are the names on the Spain vs. Austria World Cup rosters, as named for the 2026 tournament.

Spain World Cup roster

Head coach: Luis de la Fuente

Austria World Cup roster

Head coach: Ralf Rangnick

Where to watch Spain vs. Austria

•  TV channel: Fox
• Live stream: fubo, Fox One, Fox Sports app/website

This match will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up for a FREE trial.

Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Here is how to watch the match in some of the other major territories: