Cristiano Ronaldo will lead Portugal against Spain in a crucial World Cup 2026 round-of-16 match on Monday, June 6, 2026, at Dallas Stadium. The 41-year-old, playing in his sixth and final World Cup, is expected to start despite being substituted in the previous game.
Ronaldo's Role Under Scrutiny
Ronaldo has been in middling form for the Selecao this summer but has remained a permanent fixture in Roberto Martinez's starting XI. In Thursday's chaotic 2-1 knockout win over Croatia, Ronaldo scored a penalty 20 minutes from time but was substituted with 10 minutes remaining, visibly unhappy. Substitute Goncalo Ramos scored the injury-time winner, raising questions about whether the new AC Milan frontman should start against Spain.
Martinez has previously refused to consider dropping Ronaldo, and the five-time Ballon d'Or winner would likely be displeased to be benched for such a high-profile game against Portugal's biggest rivals. As such, Ronaldo is expected to lead the attack once more.
Predicted Lineup and Team News
Portugal's predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Diogo Costa; Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha; Francisco Conceicao, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao; Cristiano Ronaldo. No injuries have been reported.
Joao Neves replaced namesake Ruben Neves in midfield against Croatia and should keep his place. Rafael Leao took Joao Felix's starting berth last time out and will continue after providing an assist. Chelsea winger Pedro Neto may lose his spot to Francisco Conceicao, who impressed off the bench.
Match Details
The match kicks off at 8pm BST on Monday, June 6, 2026, at Dallas Stadium and will be broadcast on BBC One. The winner will face either co-hosts the USA or Belgium in the quarter-finals.
