CORNERFLICK
Portugal take on Spain in the 2026 World Cup last 16 on Monday 6 July at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.
Spain arrive in strong form, having played four matches without conceding a goal. Their tidy passing game and solid defence have carried them into the knockout stage with real momentum, and many view them as one of the tournament’s leading contenders.
Portugal needed extra resolve to get here. Roberto Martinez’s side beat Croatia 2-1 in the previous round after reaching the knockouts with one win and two draws in the group stage.
The tie also carries extra weight for Cristiano Ronaldo. At 41, he could be playing his final World Cup, and this may be his last meeting with Spain on the biggest stage in the game.
Spain can lean on Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Rodri, while Portugal have Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva to supply Ronaldo and the forwards. One team wants control through possession and short passing; the other is likely to look for quick breaks and mistakes to punish.