World Cup Round of 32: Spain Seeks First Knockout Win Since 2010; Ronaldo Faces Croatia

The knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup moves forward with three crucial Round of 32 games on Thursday. Here’s a quick look at what to expect from these matchups.

Spain vs. Austria

Date & Time: Thursday, July 2 | 3 p.m. ET

Location: Inglewood, California

Broadcast: Fox

Odds: Spain -1100, Austria +640

Spain, the reigning European champions, aim to break a 16-year streak without a World Cup knockout victory. Their last success came during their 2010 title run. Having advanced smoothly from Group H with two wins and a draw, Spain now faces Austria, a team that hasn’t moved past the group stage since 1954.

Surprises have occurred throughout this tournament. Could Austria pull off an upset against one of soccer’s traditional powers?

Portugal vs. Croatia

Date & Time: Thursday, July 2 | 7 p.m. ET

Location: Toronto

Broadcast: Fox

Odds: Portugal -290, Croatia +225

Cristiano Ronaldo, a legend with eight World Cup knockout appearances, has yet to score in any of those matches. This time, he and Portugal hope to change that against Croatia. The Croatian team recovered well after losing their opener to England, winning their next two games.

Portugal controls possession well but struggles in attack, with only 12 shots on target across three games. The victor here will face either Spain or Austria in the Round of 16.

Switzerland vs. Algeria

Date & Time: Thursday, July 2 | 11 p.m. ET

Location: Vancouver

Broadcast: FS1

Odds: Switzerland -205, Algeria +164

Algeria hasn’t defeated a European team at the World Cup since 1982 and will be challenged by Switzerland’s Johan Manzambi, who has netted three goals so far. Under coach Murat Yakin, Switzerland remains unbeaten in their last nine games.

The winner will meet the survivor from the Colombia vs. Ghana clash in the next round.