What observers say
“Spain look unbeatable right now, but Serbia possess the talent to give them problems,” remarked a football analyst prior to the match. This sentiment set the stage for what would become a decisive encounter for both teams in the World Cup qualifiers.
On March 27, 2026, at Estadio de la Cerámica in Villarreal, Spain, the home side demonstrated their dominance with a commanding 3-0 victory over Serbia. Mikel Oyarzabal emerged as the star of the match, scoring two goals in the first half, effectively silencing any doubts about Spain’s form. The first-half belonged to Oyarzabal, with the Real Sociedad forward’s two strikes rewarding the control enjoyed by Spain.
Rodri, who made his first start for Spain since 2024, contributed to the team’s solid performance, while Víctor Muñoz sealed the victory with a third goal. Spain’s ability to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities was evident throughout the match, showcasing their tactical prowess and depth.
Serbia, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm. Despite having talented players like Aleksandar Mitrovic, they were edged for a World Cup playoff place by Albania and rarely offered any meaningful threat to the home side. The match kicked off at 4 p.m. ET, and as the minutes ticked away, it became clear that Spain was in complete control.
In the closing stages, Dani Olmo looked certain to make it 4-0, but his powerful shot from close range was palmed to safety in a brilliant save from Vanja Milinkovic-Savic. This moment highlighted the gulf in class between the two teams, as Spain continued to press for more goals.
Spain’s victory not only showcased their current form but also secured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup, finishing first in their group with 16 points. In contrast, Serbia’s campaign ended in disappointment, finishing third in their group with 13 points and failing to qualify.
As Spain looks ahead to the World Cup, they will aim to build on this momentum, while Serbia will need to regroup and reassess their strategy for future competitions. With the next international fixtures on the horizon, both teams will be eager to make their mark.