LOS ANGELES — Spain and Portugal will attempt to avoid becoming the latest high-profile casualties of the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup when they open their Round of 32 campaigns on Thursday against Austria and Croatia, respectively, with places in the last 16 at stake.
The knockout stage has already produced several notable upsets, with traditional powers including Germany and the Netherlands eliminated before the last 16, underscoring the unpredictability of the tournament's new 48-team format. England, Belgium and the United States secured progression on Wednesday to join the growing list of teams through to the next round.
Spain face Austria at Los Angeles Stadium after finishing their group-stage campaign with a goalless draw against Uruguay, while Austria advanced after securing a late equalizer against Algeria in their final group match. Spain will seek an improved attacking display as they pursue a place in the Round of 16.
Later on Thursday, Portugal meet Croatia in Toronto in one of the day's most anticipated fixtures, featuring veteran captains Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric, both appearing in what could be their final World Cup tournaments.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said his team would approach the knockout phase with renewed focus after an inconsistent group stage in which his side finished second in its section.
"We're entering a second World Cup," Martinez told reporters ahead of the match, describing Croatia as experienced opponents with a proven record in major tournaments.
Portugal midfielder Vitinha said the squad was also motivated by the memory of former international Diogo Jota, whose death in a car crash one year earlier has remained a source of inspiration for the team.
The winners of Spain's meeting with Austria and Portugal's clash against Croatia will face each other in the Round of 16 under FIFA's knockout bracket, raising the stakes for both European contenders.
Thursday's schedule also includes Switzerland against Algeria in Vancouver, while Argentina, Colombia and Australia begin their knockout campaigns on Friday. The expanded tournament's Round of 32 precedes the Round of 16 before the competition concludes with the July 19 final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
