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The penultimate day of last-32 action at the 2026 World Cup promises to be a compelling one, with two of the pre-tournament favourites in action. Whether or not Portugal and Spain are still among the frontrunners to lift the trophy on 19 July, however, could be determined by what unfolds on Thursday.

Spain face Austria in Los Angeles with a point to prove. While the European champions made comfortable enough progress through the group stage, they have yet to find top gear. The intensity they demonstrated at Euro 2024 has been missing with Lamine Yamal still searching for sharpness.

Meanwhile, Portugal have been weighed down by the presence of 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, whose contribution hasn’t matched his reputation. After underwhelming draws against the Democratic Republic of Congo and Colombia, Roberto Martínez’s side can’t take anything for granted against Croatia.

Here is your complete guide on how to watch today’s World Cup games, including kick-off times, broadcast networks and online streaming options.

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Spain v Austria

Time (ET): 3pm

Stadium: Los Angeles Stadium

How to watch

United States: Fox / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)

Canada: TSN (Stream)

United Kingdom: BBC One (Stream)

Australia: SBS (Stream)

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What to watch for

This hasn’t been the same Spain team who strolled to Euro 2024 glory two years ago. Their press hasn’t been as intense, their possession play not as slick. Seen as favourites to win a second World Cup before a ball was even kicked, Spain haven’t demonstrated the attacking threat of some of their rivals in their three outings so far.

Austria left it very late to secure a place in the last 32, netting an equaliser in the sixth minute of stoppage time against Algeria to set up Thursday’s clash with Spain. Ralf Rangnick’s side will attempt to press the European champions and play them at their own high-energy, high-risk game. That could make for an entertaining encounter.

Player to watch: Lamine Yamal, Spain – While the Barcelona winger is still searching for sharpness after an injury layoff, he remains the difference-maker who dictates everything for Spain in the final third. They need him in top form.

What to read

Spain team guide

Austria team guide

Fabián Ruiz: ‘It’s not important who plays, it’s important we support each other’

Portugal v Croatia

Time (ET): 7pm

Stadium: Toronto Stadium

How to watch

United States: FS1 / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)

Canada: TSN (Stream)

United Kingdom: BBC One (Stream)

Australia: SBS (Stream)

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What to watch for

Two draws from three games isn’t the start Portugal wanted. Rather than a favourable last-32 tie against Ghana, Ronaldo and Co now have to find a way past Croatia and there’s no guarantee they will be able to do that on the basis of their lackluster performances so far.

Croatia similarly haven’t been at their best in the three matches they have played, but the experience of Luka Modric and Mateo Kovačić, not to mention the elite-level quality of Joško Gvardiol and Josip Stanišić, makes them dangerous opponents. Croatia usually find a way to win at tournaments.

Player to watch: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal – The story of this match could be told through Ronaldo and whether or not he can provide the firepower Portugal need. If the 41-year-old is struggling, will Martínez have the nerve to replace him?

What to read

Portugal team guide

Croatia team guide

Switzerland v Algeria

Time (ET): 11pm

Stadium: BC Place Vancouver

How to watch

United States: FS1 / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)

Canada: TSN (Stream)

United Kingdom: BBC One (Stream)

Australia: SBS (Stream)

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What to watch for

Switzerland have flown under the radar at the World Cup so far despite finishing top of Group B. Their 2-1 win over co-hosts Canada, not to mention the 4-1 demolition of Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighted the balance Murat Yakin has instilled in a team who could make a deep run at this tournament.

Algeria’s performances have been uneven over their three matches so far. Ibrahim Maza has been a standout performer through the middle of the pitch while former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez remains capable of a match-winning moment even if he has struggled for his best form.

Player to watch: Johan Manzambi, Switzerland – The World Cup changed for the Swiss when Manzambi came off the bench in the game against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since then, the Freiburg youngster has electrified the rest of the team around him. He’s a must-watch talent.

What to read

Switzerland team guide

Algeria team guide