On paper, this match in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup should have been won by Spain considering that La Roja's statistics as Group H winners are stronger than Austria, Group J runners-up .
However, statistics are sometimes overshadowed by non-technical factors, including psychological pressure. This is often the case with Spain.
Since winning the 2010 World Cup, La Roja have never progressed beyond the round of 16, the first knockout stage before the 2026 edition, which will involve 48 teams. They were eliminated at that stage by Russia in 2018 and Morocco in 2022.
The failures in the last two editions could haunt Spain when they face Austria in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup at the Los Angeles Stadium, United States.
Luis de la Fuente's team may refuse to link past experiences to the current situation.
However, they can't completely ignore the past. While negative experiences can be a psychological burden, positive experiences can also inspire them in the present.
One such positive experience was La Roja's success in winning the 2024 European Cup after defeating England 2-1 in the final.
This success could repeat the history of 16 years ago when Spain lifted the 2010 World Cup trophy right after they won the 2008 European Championship.
