Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has included midfielder Dani Olmo in the starting XI for their FIFA World Cup match against Austria, a move that has impressed some fans. The reigning European champions are set for their Round of 32 match, having scaled through the group stage without tasting defeat once.
La Roja came into the tournament as one of the favourites, and they got through the group stage with relative ease. Ranked second in the world, their journey through the knockout stages begins with a clash against a plucky Austrian side coached by Ralf Rangnick.
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Spain coach de la Fuente has entrusted Barcelona star Olmo with only his second start of the tournament, and the fans have reacted to the decision. They took to X to share their thoughts on the midfielder starting.
One fan expressed their confidence in the team’s chances with Olmo in the XI.
Another fan was also excited, expressing a hope of the midfielder taking up a deeper role.
A fan hailed the selection, stating that Olmo is skilled at playing against teams that defend deep.
Another fan was left feeling excited at the prospect of seeing the chemistry between Olmo, Lamine Yamal, and Pedro Porro on the right side of the pitch.
Dani Olmo has appeared in all three of Spain’s games at the FIFA World Cup this summer, starting once. The 28-year-old provided an assist in his only start to far, the 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia on Matchday Two. He will hope to provide the imagination and invention against a disciplined Austria side.
De la Fuente has made two changes, bringing in Porro and Olmo as his side pursues a first knockout stage win in the World Cup since 2010.
Spain star joins exclusive group in FIFA World Cup clash
Spain star Unai Simon has been named in the starting XI for his country’s first knockout clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, earning a place in his country’s record books. The Athletic Club man starts between the sticks for a fourth consecutive game in the tournament this summer.
Simon is set to become only the third goalkeeper in the history of La Roja to make 20+ appearances at major tournaments for the team. He joins Iker Casillas (31) and Andoni Zubizarreta (23) in this exclusive group as Spain are set to take on Austria in Los Angeles.
Unai Simon made his international debut in 2020 and has played in every major tournament since, including two editions of the FIFA World Cup. The 29-year-old is set to earn his 62nd cap for La Roja in the game against Austria.
Edited by Sulayman Salahudeen