Oyarzabal double sends Spain into World Cup last 16, with family joy and a Portugal showdown next

Spain's World Cup campaign

Spain advanced to the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup after a commanding victory over Austria in the round of 32. Mikel Oyarzabal was the protagonist, netting both goals in a 2-0 win that also saw goalkeeper Unai Simón set a new tournament record for consecutive minutes without conceding. The result sets up a high-stakes round-of-16 clash with Portugal, a match that will test the team's credentials after their best performance of the tournament so far.

Oyarzabal's personal milestones

Beyond the pitch, the 29-year-old forward celebrated a personal moment. After scoring his first goal, Oyarzabal placed the ball under his shirt and pointed toward the stands, a gesture that revealed he and his long-time girlfriend Ainhoa Larrauri are expecting their second child. The couple, who have been together since adolescence, already have a son, Martín, born in December 2023. Oyarzabal missed two club matches at the time to be at the hospital.

Congratulations to Mikel and Ainhoa because we have a new Real Sociedad fan in the family. It's been two long nights for Mikel and he is not in condition to compete.

Upbringing and values

Oyarzabal, born in Éibar in 1997, credits his parents for instilling a work ethic that has defined his career. He often repeats a phrase he learned at home.

My parents instilled in me that talent without work and effort is worthless.

His father even enrolled him in judo as a child to channel his energy, but football remained his passion. The forward still maintains a low profile, retreating to a family home in Jaca, in the Pyrenees, to disconnect from the sport.

Unai Simón's record

While Oyarzabal grabbed the headlines, goalkeeper Unai Simón also made history against Austria. The Athletic Bilbao stopper surpassed Walter Zenga's long-standing World Cup record for the longest streak without conceding a goal. Simón, who won the Zamora Trophy in 2024 and finished second in the Yashin award, has become an indispensable figure for coach Luis de la Fuente.

Looking ahead to Portugal

The round-of-16 meeting with Portugal is the most demanding test of Spain's campaign. Oyarzabal, now the team's top scorer in the tournament and only two goals behind Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot race, will again be central to Spanish hopes. His blend of leadership, commitment, and quiet personal life has made him one of the revelations of the World Cup.