
Two of Europes heavyweights collide in arguably the standout tie of the World Cup 2026 last-16 when Portugal face Spain at AT&T Stadium on Monday.Both nations arrive in strong form, but only one can progress to the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of USA vs Belgium.Portugal booked their place in the last-16 after navigating a difficult route through the group stage before edging past Croatia in dramatic circumstances in the first knockout round.Roberto Martinezs side thought they were heading for extra time when Josko Gvardiol appeared to score a stoppage-time equaliser, only for technology to confirm an offside touch in the build-up and preserve Portugals 2-1 win.Meanwhile, Luis de la Fuentes men eased past Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 and have quietly built one of the most complete records in the tournament.La Roja have won three consecutive World Cup matches, remain unbeaten in the competition and are the only team yet to concede a goal.The nations know each other extremely well, and recent meetings have often been closely contested, including Portugals win on penalties in the 2025 Nations League final.Table of ContentsTeam news for Portugal vs SpainExpected line-ups for Portugal vs SpainWhere to watch Portugal vs Spain: TV channel, online live streamPortugal vs Spain statsPrediction for Portugal vs SpainTeam news for Portugal vs SpainPortugal have a fully fit squad available and Roberto Martinez is expected to keep faith with the side that defeated Croatia.Cristiano Ronaldo should continue to lead the line despite being substituted in the previous round, while Goncalo Ramos is likely to remain an impact option from the bench.Pedro Neto is expected to retain his place on the right flank ahead of Bernardo Silva and Francisco Conceicao, while Bruno Fernandes and Rafael Leao will provide additional attacking threat.Spain also have few major injury concerns.Lamine Yamal, Pedro Porro, Dani Olmo and Aymeric Laporte all had their workloads managed during training but are expected to be available.Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino are expected to miss out through injury, although neither issue is believed to be long-term.Expected line-ups for Portugal vs SpainPortugal starting XI: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Vitinha, Neves; Neto, Fernandes, Leao; RonaldoSpain starting XI: Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; OyarzabalWhere to watch Portugal vs Spain: TV channel, online live streamThe match takes place on Monday, July 6 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 BST.In the UK, World Cup 2026 matches are being shown live across BBC and ITV platforms, with live streaming available via BBC iPlayer and ITVX. Tonights clash belongs to BBC 1.Portugal vs Spain statsSpain are unbeaten at World Cup 2026 and have not conceded a single goal in four matchesMikel Oyarzabal has registered 23 goal involvements in his last 16 starts for SpainSpain did not face a single shot on target in their 3-0 victory over AustriaLa Roja scored three goals in a World Cup knockout match for the first time since 1994Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first-ever World Cup knockout-stage goal against CroatiaGoncalo Ramos averages a goal involvement every 37 minutes at this World Cup, the best rate among Portugal players with at least five involvementsPortugal have scored in each of their four matches at World Cup 2026Both Portugal and Spain are averaging over 60% possession during the tournamentSpain have lost only seven of their previous 41 international meetings with PortugalPrediction for Portugal vs SpainThis has all the ingredients of a classic knockout encounter.Portugal possess enough quality to trouble any defence, particularly with Ronaldo, Fernandes and Leao leading the attack, but Spain have looked the more balanced side throughout the tournament.Their defensive record has been exceptional, while Oyarzabal, Yamal and Olmo continue to provide a constant attacking threat. Expect a closely fought contest, with Spain edging through to the quarter-finals.Prediction: Portugal 1-2 SpainResponsible Gambling Gambling should always be approached as entertainment, not as a way to generate income. If you ever feel that gambling is becoming a problem, there are several organisations you can contact for free, confidential support.National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 8 am to midnight, 7 days a week)GamCare: www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware: gambleaware.orgGamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk (free self-exclusion service)Tools available through bet365 include deposit limits, session time reminders, loss limits, self-exclusion and Reality Checks. These can be accessed via the Safer Gambling section of your account at any time. 18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. 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