Portugal vs Spain Preview - prediction, team news, lineups | FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32

The Lusos will take on La Roja in the Round of 16.

Two neighbours separated by a land border and united by a footballing rivalry that stretches back over a century will lock horns in the Round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Portugal and Spain are two of the most well-known names in world football, as they will meet in a very crucial game.

The last time these two sides faced each other in the UEFA Nations League, and the Portuguese side won it on penalties. Two of the strongest sides in this tournament are colliding in a knockout match where the margin between glory and heartbreak is very minimal.

Portugal had their ups and downs in this tournament, but they somehow made it to this stage. Portugal’s record in the knockout stages of the World Cup is not that good, but Roberto Martinez’s side are capable enough to overcome the challenge and make it into the next round.

On the other hand, Spain hasn’t conceded a single goal till now, they trashed Austria by 3-0 in the Round of 32 match. La Roja were so good that Ralf Rangnick considers them the favourites to win the World Cup. De La Fuenta’s team will be hungry to take revenge for the Nations League defeat which they suffered last year. Spain are a very balanced side, and this will be an exciting and mouthwatering fixture for sure.

Kick-Off:

• Location: Arlington, USA
• Stadium: Dallas Stadium
• Date: Monday, 6 July
• Kick-Off Time: 03:00 PM (EST) | 08:00 PM (GMT) | 07/07/2026, 12:30 AM (IST)
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In Use

Form

Portugal (in all competitions): W-D-W-D-W

Spain (in all competitions): W-W-W-D-W

Players to Watch

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

This may be the last World Cup for the Portuguese star, as he will be ready to face the challenge of La Roja in the Round of 16. Ronaldo finally scored his first-ever knockout stage goal against Croatia in the Round of 32 and helped his side win the game. His presence in front will be crucial for Portugal, as this Spanish defence is one of the best in the World. In four matches, he has scored three goals till now in the World Cup.

Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain)

Oyarzabal’s start in the World Cup wasn’t great, as he failed to do well against Cape Verde. But after that, he did really well in the next games, as he scored four goals in four games so far. Mikel’s biggest weapon is his clinical finishing and smart runs, which he makes into the box. He has previously scored against Portugal and will be eager to do so once again.

Match Facts

• Their last meeting was in the Nations League final, in which Portugal won on penalties
• Both sides are unbeaten till now in the World Cup
• Spain hasn’t conceded a single goal in the World Cup till now

Portugal vs Spain: Betting Tips & Odds

• Tip 1 – Portugal to win this fixture – 10/11 by UNIBET
• Tip 2 – Both teams to score
• Tip 3 – Goals scored over 1.5

Injury and Team News

The Portuguese team doesn’t have any injury issues going into this match, as all the players are fit to play.

Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino are injured for La Roja, the rest of the players are fully fit to play.

Head-to-Head

Matches: 41

Portugal: 7

Spain: 18

Draws: 16

Predicted Lineups

Portugal Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Costa (GK); Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha; Neto, Fernandes, Leão; Ronaldo

Spain Predicted Lineup (4-1-2-3):

Simon (GK); Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri; Olmo, Pedri; Yamal, Oyarzabal, Baena

Match Prediction

Whenever these two European giants clashed, the matches have been very intense, and fans can expect the same this time as well. Both sides are unbeaten till now in the World Cup, and this fixture might go to penalties. Most probably, Portugal will win this game on Penalties.

Prediction: Portugal 2 (4) – 2 (2) Spain

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels

UK: BBC &ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv

Full Broadcaster List here.

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