Mikel Oyarzabal at the 2026 World Cup: Spain’s Talisman Leading the Line

Last updated: Jul 2, 2026

Table of Contents

Who is Mikel Oyarzabal?

Oyarzabal is a 29-year-old forward who has spent his entire professional career at Real Sociedad, the La Liga club he now captains. He is best known for the moment that defined Spain’s last major title, coming off the bench to poke in the 86th-minute winner against England in the EURO 2024 final.

This is his first World Cup. He missed Qatar 2022 through a knee injury, making the 2026 edition his long-awaited debut on the game’s biggest stage.

Why he is leading Spain’s line

Oyarzabal is Spain’s senior striker after coach Luis de la Fuente left EURO 2024 talisman Alvaro Morata out of the squad. That decision handed the focal-point role to the Real Sociedad captain, and his importance grew further with Lamine Yamal being managed carefully in the early rounds.

Oyarzabal was named in de la Fuente’s final 26-man squad announced on 25 May 2026. What he offers is more than goals — his pressing, link-up play and composure in front of goal give Spain a reliable reference point while the younger attackers find their rhythm.

Role: senior striker and focal point, replacing the axed Alvaro Morata.
Fitness scare: felt discomfort in training days before the Saudi Arabia match, underwent medical tests amid fears of a repeat knee problem, and was cleared to play.

His 2026 World Cup so far

Oyarzabal has produced one of the standout individual performances of the group stage. His brace against Saudi Arabia turned a quiet start to the campaign into a statement.

Saudi Arabia masterclass

Spain opened with a goalless draw against Cape Verde in Guadalajara, a frustrating night in which the attack failed to click. The Saudi Arabia match, played in Atlanta, was the response.

Oyarzabal laid on a cross for Lamine Yamal to tap in the opener in the 10th minute, then added goals of his own in the 21st and 24th minutes, giving Spain a 3-0 lead before both were substituted at half-time. He was named Player of the Match by the Spanish federation for the display.

Goals: 2 (both against Saudi Arabia)
Assists: 1 (a cross for Lamine Yamal’s opener vs Saudi Arabia)
Shots on target: 4, the most of any Spain player in the group stage
Matches played: 3 (Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay)

See the live World Cup assists leaderboard, and check the historic assist numbers behind that display. He became only the second player in World Cup history to be directly involved in three goals inside the opening 25 minutes of a match, the first since Hungary’s László Fazekas in 1982.

Closing out Group H

Spain closed the group stage with a 1-0 win over Uruguay on 26 June in Guadalajara, with Álex Baena scoring in the 42nd minute. Oyarzabal played the full 90 minutes in that game but did not add to his tally.

Spain vs Austria: today’s Round of 32 tie

Spain finished top of Group H with seven points and a perfect record. They face Austria in the Round of 32 today, 2 July, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, with kickoff at midday Pacific time.

Austria arrive having reached the knockout rounds for the first time since 1998, edging through Group J on a dramatic stoppage-time finish against Algeria. It is a mouth-watering tie between two European sides in form, and Oyarzabal is expected to lead the line again.

Kickoff: today, 2 July, midday Pacific time at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles.
Follow live: the Wego Spain World Cup guide will carry the score once the match finishes, along with Spain’s Round of 16 opponent.

Following Spain in person

Spain’s Round of 32 tie against Austria is at SoFi Stadium in the Los Angeles area. Here is how to plan around it and the rounds that follow.

Los Angeles: compare flights to Los Angeles and check hotels in Los Angeles for today’s game.
Atlanta: the venue for Spain’s win over Saudi Arabia — compare flights to Atlanta if you’re tracing the squad’s route.
Guadalajara: host to the Cape Verde draw and Uruguay win — check hotels in Guadalajara for future group-stage rewatches.

You can also use the Wego flight tracker to monitor live availability to any host city, including specific carriers such as Iberia.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many goals has Oyarzabal scored at the 2026 World Cup?

He has scored two goals so far, both in the 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia. He also provided one assist in the same match and was named Player of the Match.

Is Oyarzabal Spain’s main striker now?

Yes, he is leading the line after Alvaro Morata was left out of the squad. His role grew further with Lamine Yamal being eased back in the early matches.

When is Spain’s next match?

Spain face Austria in the Round of 32 today, 2 July, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. They topped Group H with seven points after a perfect group stage.

Has Oyarzabal played at a World Cup before?

No, 2026 is his first World Cup. He missed Qatar 2022 because of a knee injury.

Sources

Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.