Portugal and Spain meet in Spain Vs Portugal at the World Cup 2026 last-16 on Monday, July 6, 2026. The match at Dallas Stadium starts at 8pm BST, and the winner moves into the World Cup quarter-final.
Goncalo Ramos after Croatia
Portugal reached this stage after coming from behind to beat Croatia in Toronto. Goncalo Ramos scored the stoppage-time winner, while Cristiano Ronaldo levelled from the penalty spot.
A VAR review in Toronto spared Portugal from extra-time and penalties. That leaves Roberto Martinez with a fully fit squad and one selection call that goes beyond the result against Croatia.
Roberto Martinez and the XI
Ramos may not earn a start against Spain, even after deciding the previous round. Ronaldo, Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes were all substituted in the second half against Croatia, so Martinez has room to change his XI without carrying fitness concerns.
The Portugal group listed for the tournament includes Diogo Costa, Jose Sa and Rui Silva in goal, plus Diogo Dalot, Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Nelson Semedo, Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Goncalo Inacio, Renato Veiga and Tomas Araujo across defence. Ruben Neves, Samu Costa, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva are among the midfield options.
Spain in the World Cup
Spain arrive after a 3-0 win over Austria and remain one of two teams yet to concede a goal in the tournament. That record gives the tie a different shape to Portugal's route through Croatia, where a late goal and a VAR review decided the game.
In the UK, One will show the match live, with coverage starting at 7.30pm BST. Viewers can also watch on iPlayer, while World Cup highlights are available through FIFA's official YouTube channel and the and ITVX websites and apps.
The next step is simple: the winner takes on USA or Belgium in the World Cup quarter-final. For Martinez, the immediate call is whether to keep faith with Ramos or reshape the front line after a stoppage-time finish that already changed Portugal's path once.
