7M - Oyarzabal Makes Spanish World Cup Knockout History

Mikel Oyarzabal secured a historic milestone for Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. By netting twice in Spain's 3-0 Round of 16 victory against Austria, the Real Sociedad forward became the first Spanish player to score a brace in a World Cup knockout match since Emilio Butragueno.

Despite facing past criticism, Oyarzabal delivered clinical finishing in a high-stakes setting, cementing his role as a vital attacking leader for the national team. His performance places him in an exclusive group, reaching a specific achievement that eluded many iconic Spanish strikers across generations. Legendary forwards such as Raul Gonzalez, David Villa, Fernando Torres, Fernando Morientes, Alfredo Di Stefano, Juanito, Julio Salinas, and Diego Costa all failed to score multiple goals in a single World Cup elimination game during their celebrated international careers.