The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 is set to deliver captivating encounters as national teams battle for a spot in the next stage. Among the most anticipated fixtures, Spain will continue their quest for glory against Austria, while Portugal prepares for a formidable challenge from Croatia. Another significant matchup will see Switzerland face Algeria. All match times are provided in Cambodia local time.
The clash between Spain and Austria is poised to be a high-stakes affair, bringing together two European powerhouses currently exhibiting strong form. Both teams have demonstrated impressive capabilities throughout the tournament, setting the stage for a compelling contest at Los Angeles Stadium at 2 AM. Spain enters this knockout fixture with a remarkable defensive record in the World Cup 2026, having yet to concede a single goal to their opponents. This impenetrable defense has been a cornerstone of their success thus far.
On the other side, Austria, under the guidance of coach Ralf Rangnick, should not be underestimated. Despite a group stage performance that saw them secure one win, one draw, and a defeat to defending champions Argentina, their overall quality and tactical discipline suggest they are fully capable of upsetting strong opposition. Historically, Spain and Austria have faced each other 16 times. Spain holds a significant advantage in these encounters, having won 9 matches, while Austria has emerged victorious on 4 occasions, with 3 matches ending in a draw. Their most recent meeting was in 2009, where Spain secured a dominant 5-1 victory.
For this upcoming fixture, despite Spain being considered a strong contender in the tournament, Rangnick’s Austria is expected to deploy a well-drilled system designed to make it challenging for Spain to find the back of the net. Austria’s tactical approach, characterized by aggressive pressing, ball-winning, and rapid counter-attacks, could pose a serious threat to Spain’s preference for short-passing and possession-based play.
Turning attention to another highly anticipated Round of 32 clash, Portugal will face Croatia in a match that will see former Real Madrid teammates and Ballon d’Or winners, Cristiano Ronaldo (five-time recipient) and Luka Modric (one-time recipient), go head-to-head. This encounter is scheduled for 6 AM on July 3rd. Portugal has navigated the World Cup 2026 group stage without a single loss, registering one win and two draws. Their most impressive performance to date was a resounding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, showcasing their offensive prowess.
Croatia, on the other hand, experienced a challenging start to their campaign, suffering a 4-2 defeat to England in their opening match. However, coach Zlatko Dalic’s team demonstrated resilience, securing consecutive victories in their subsequent two group stage games to clinch second place in Group L. This turnaround highlights their ability to adapt and perform under pressure. In their 10 historical encounters, Portugal has a strong record against Croatia, winning 7 matches. Their most recent meeting in 2024 concluded in a 1-1 draw. Interestingly, despite their frequent clashes in European championships, these two nations have never before faced each other in a FIFA World Cup fixture, adding another layer of intrigue to this match.
Both Portugal and Croatia will be desperate for a victory to secure their passage to the Round of 16, with neither side wanting an early exit from the tournament. Croatia, in particular, boasts an impressive recent World Cup pedigree, having reached the final and semi-final in the last two editions, showcasing their big-game temperament. Meanwhile, Switzerland is slated to meet Algeria in another Round of 32 fixture. This match is scheduled for 10 AM on July 3rd at BC Place.
