Cristiano Ronaldo will lead Portugal against Spain in a crucial World Cup 2026 round-of-16 showdown on Monday. The 41-year-old, who has confirmed this will be his final World Cup appearance, retains his place in Roberto Martinez's starting XI despite middling form and questions over his inclusion.
Ronaldo's Role and Recent Form
Ronaldo has been a permanent fixture in Martinez's lineup throughout the tournament. In Thursday's chaotic 2-1 knockout win over Croatia, he scored a penalty 20 minutes from time but was substituted with 10 minutes remaining, visibly showing his displeasure. Substitute Goncalo Ramos scored the injury-time winner, sparking debate over whether the new AC Milan forward should start.
Martinez has previously refused to consider dropping Ronaldo, and the five-time Ballon d'Or winner leads the attack once more against Portugal's biggest rivals, with a quarter-final place at stake against either co-hosts the USA or Belgium.
Confirmed Portugal XI and Team News
Portugal's starting lineup: Costa; Dias, Veiga, Cancelo, Mendes; Fernandes, J. Neves, Vitinha; Ronaldo, Felix, Neto. Substitutes: Sa, Silva, Semedo, Araujo, Dalot, Inacio, Costa, Nunes, B. Silva, R. Neves, Ramos, Trincao, Leao, Guerdes, Conceicao. No injuries were reported.
Joao Neves replaces Ruben Neves in midfield after impressing against Croatia and keeps his place. The match kicks off at 8pm BST at Dallas Stadium, broadcast live on BBC One.
