World Cup What to Watch: Spain aims for first knockout win since 2010; Cristiano Ronaldo leads Portugal against Croatia
The 2026 World Cup knockout stage continues on Thursday with three more Round of 32 matchups.
Here's what you need to know for Day 22 of the World Cup.
Spain vs. Austria
Thursday, July 2 | 3 p.m. ET | Inglewood, Calif. | TV: Fox
Odds: Spain -1100, Austria +640
The reigning European champions are looking to do something that they haven't in 16 years. Spain has failed to win a World Cup knockout stage match since 2010 when they won the tournament. Spain breezed through Group H with two wins and a draw; they’ll now face an Austria side that has not advanced out of the group stage at a World Cup since 1954.
We have see, a number of upsets so far in this World Cup. Do the Austrians have it in them to knock off a global soccer power?
Portugal vs. Croatia
Thursday, July 2 | 7 p.m. ET | Toronto | TV: Fox
Odds: Portugal -290, Croatia +225
Cristiano Ronaldo has played eight career World Cup knockout matches. He has scored in zero of them. Ronaldo and Portugal will look to change that against Croatia, who bounced back with two wins after an opening match defeat to England.
Portugal have been a strong possession side so far, but their work in the final third has been lacking with only 12 shots on target through three matches.
The winner of this match will see Spain or Austria next in the Round of 16.
Switzerland vs. Algeria
Thursday, July 2 | 11 p.m. ET | Vancouver | TV: FS1
Odds: Switzerland -205, Algeria +164
Algeria have not beaten a European side in the World Cup since 1982. They will have their hands full trying to slow Switzerland's Johan Manzambi, who has scored three times in the competition. Switzerland has not lost in their last nine matches under manager Murat Yakin.
A date with Colombia or Ghana awaits the winner of this match in the Round of 16.
