Portugal meet Spain today in arguably the standout fixture of the World Cup 2026 last 16. The Iberian rivals go head to head at Dallas Stadium for a place in the quarter-finals, where the winner will face either co-hosts the USA or Belgium.
How They Reached the Last 16
Portugal came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 in a hugely chaotic tie in the round of 32, with Goncalo Ramos heading home a stoppage-time winner after Cristiano Ronaldo had equalised from the penalty spot. There was late drama in Toronto as a VAR review came to Portugal's rescue and spared them the prospect of extra time and penalties.
Spain cruised to a 3-0 victory over Austria and remain one of two teams yet to concede a single goal at this tournament. Their solid defence and clinical attack have made them a formidable opponent.
Date, Kick-Off Time and Venue
Portugal vs Spain is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off today on Monday July 6, 2026. The match will take place at Dallas Stadium, which has a capacity of over 80,000 and is expected to be filled with passionate fans from both nations.
Where to Watch Portugal vs Spain for FREE
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live and free-to-air on BBC One, with coverage starting at 7.30pm BST.
Live stream: UK viewers can also catch the contest live online via the BBC iPlayer or the BBC Sport website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Free highlights: World Cup highlights are available on FIFA’s official YouTube channel, along with the BBC iPlayer and ITVX app.
Portugal vs Spain Team News
Roberto Martinez has a fully-fit Portugal squad at his disposal, though he may be considering changes to the starting XI after making some big decisions in the comeback win over Croatia. Ronaldo, Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes were all substituted in the second half, but are expected to keep their places. However, Ramos’ winner may not be enough to earn him a start.
Portugal squad: Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Silva. Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Nelson Semedo, Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Goncalo Inacio, Renato Veiga, Tomas Araujo. Midfielders: Ruben Neves, Samu Costa, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva. Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Francisco Trincao, Francisco Conceicao, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao, Goncalo Guedes, Goncalo Ramos.
Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino have returned to training for Spain, though it remains to be seen if they are ready to return after injury. Fellow winger Victor Munoz is also pushing for a comeback. It has been reported in Spain that neither Lamine Yamal, Aymeric Laporte or Pedro Porro took part in training on Saturday, instead completing recovery work in the gym which means they should all be fit to start.
Spain squad: Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David Raya, Joan Garcia. Defenders: Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, Pedro Porro, Aymeric Laporte, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo. Midfielders: Rodri, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Pedri, Gavi, Fabian Ruiz, Alex Baena. Forwards: Yeremy Pino, Victor Munoz, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Borja Iglesias.
Portugal vs Spain Prediction
Aside from beating Uzbekistan 5-0, Portugal have been largely unconvincing at the World Cup so far. But a showdown against Spain offers the chance to make a statement. That said, this Spain team appear to be clicking into gear at just the right time. The upcoming battle between Yamal and Nuno Mendes should go a long way to deciding the outcome and we expect La Roja to progress. Spain to win, 2-1.
Head to Head (h2h) History and Results
These two nations have met twice before at the World Cup, with Spain coming out on top in 2010 en route to their eventual triumph in the final. They met again in 2018 in their opening group game of the tournament in Russia, but Ronaldo’s hat-trick was not enough in a 3-3 classic.
- Portugal wins: 7
- Spain wins: 18
- Draws: 16
Portugal vs Spain Match Odds
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