Spain face Austria with everything on the line

Austria today, all or nothing

Spain face Austria in the World Cup round of 32 on Thursday (1) (2). This is knockout football now. One game, no safety net. Austria's coach underlined the challenge: "Playing against one of the favorites conditions what you do" (3). Spain enter this match with odds drifting, bookmakers are less convinced than they were a week ago. The squad trained in Chattanooga and the message from the camp is clear: get the ball to Lamine Yamal (2) (5). Right-back Marcos Llorente has confirmed the team is structuring its attack around him.

De la Fuente: 'For me they are the best players in the world'

Luis de la Fuente is not short on belief. "Les joueurs que j'ai sont les meilleurs du monde", the players I have are the best in the world, he told the press ahead of the Austria match (4) (6). The quote landed after France impressed elsewhere in the tournament, but De la Fuente was unmoved. His confidence is absolute heading into the knockout rounds.

Yeremy Pino and Víctor Muñoz back in training

Good news from Spain's camp. Yeremy Pino and Víctor Muñoz trained with the group (7). Both are in contention for the Austria match. In a squad that needs every attacking option available to support Yamal, having two more forwards in the mix matters.

Rodri out, surgery looming

One shadow over the campaign: Rodri requires surgery and will miss the start of next season. Spain's midfield loses its anchor for the near future. In the short term, the question is who steps in alongside whoever replaces him today. In the long term, it reshapes how this team looks post-tournament.

Spain U-19s crush Denmark 3–0, book two tickets

Spain's under-19s beat Denmark 3–0 at Central Park. Hugo López, Diallo, and Morante got the goals (8). The win secures a spot in the European Championship semifinals and qualification for the U-20 World Cup. A clean, clinical night for the next generation.