Spain thrashes Austria 3-0, Hollywood stars cheer in LA

Spain defeated Austria 3-0 on July 2 at the SoFi Stadium, securing its round‑of‑16 spot at the 2026 World Cup. The win, orchestrated by Luis de la Fuente, unfolded under the gaze of a star‑studded crowd that included Penélope Cruz, Javier Bardem and singer Rosalía.

How did the match unfold?

Spain dominated from the first whistle, creating chances in the opening ten minutes. The first goal came in the 23rd minute when Álvaro Morata finished a Dani Carvajal cross. The second half began with vigor; Gavi, in the 58th minute, opened the scoring again with a strike from outside the box. The final blow arrived in the 84th minute, when Ferran Torres sealed the 3-0 with a header from a corner. Austria never broke through Spain's defensive wall, which kept a clean sheet.

What role did the celebrities play?

The SoFi Stadium suite turned into a runway of glamour. Penélope Cruz wore a red shirt bearing the national crest, while Javier Bardem chose a brown version. Both waved to the cameras like ordinary fans, sparking a wave of applause. Rosalía, fresh from her Lux Tour, sat beside the actress, sharing laughs and selfies that quickly went viral. In the same box, Alexia Putellas, Carles Puyol, Fernando Hierro and Míchel Salgado enjoyed the spectacle, reinforcing the link between Spanish football history and pop culture.

Why does this result matter?

The victory cements Spain's unbeaten defence in the tournament: zero goals conceded so far. Moreover, the offensive display shows a range of scorers, suggesting the team does not rely on a single player. With the group stage finished (draw with Cape Verde, a solid win over Saudi Arabia and a hard‑fought triumph against Paraguay), Spain enters the knockout round with confidence and a recent run of three wins in five matches (WWDWD). The next opponent will be the winner of the Portugal‑Croatia clash, while the calendar already points to the upcoming fixture against England, away, on September 26.

What lies ahead for Spain?

With the pass secured, Luis de la Fuente can fine‑tune the lineup before the next showdown. Focus will shift to the defence, which has shown resilience, and to the midfield’s ability to create chances. Players like Gavi, Pedri and Dani Carvajal provide tactical flexibility. The upcoming test against the likely Portugal‑Croatia winner will be a proving ground before the England clash, where veteran experience and youthful energy will be tested.

The night in Los Angeles was marked not only by the scoreline but also by the blend of sport and spectacle. Spain, backed by film and music icons, demonstrated that football remains the heart of Spanish culture, capable of drawing fans from every corner of the globe.