​Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.​​

The Portugal vs Spain predicted lineups are in focus ahead of one of the biggest matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. The Iberian rivals meet at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on Monday with a place in the quarter finals at stake. Spain enter the contest unbeaten and yet to concede a goal in the tournament, while Portugal will rely on their experienced stars to overcome one of the competition's strongest teams.

Spain secured their place in the knockout stage with an impressive 3 to 0 victory over Austria, led by a brace from Mikel Oyarzabal. Portugal progressed after navigating the group stage with a squad packed with experience, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva.

Portugal projected starting XI

Roberto Martinez is expected to stick with his trusted core for the crucial knockout clash.

Projected XI

Diogo Costa

Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio, Nuno Mendes

Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva

Pedro Neto, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Leao

Portugal's experienced squad provides Martinez with several options, including Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix and Francisco Conceicao from the bench.

At 41 years of age, Ronaldo is expected to lead the attack in what he has confirmed will be his final FIFA World Cup.

Spain projected starting XI

Luis de la Fuente is expected to continue with the side that comfortably defeated Austria.

Projected XI

Unai Simon

Marcos Llorente, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella

Mikel Merino, Rodri, Pedri

Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Alex Baena

Spain remain without Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino, who continue to recover from injuries suffered during the group stage. Victor Munoz is nearing a return but remains doubtful for the Round of 16.

Those absences have done little to slow Spain's attack, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Oyarzabal combining effectively alongside Baena.

Team news

Portugal have no major suspension concerns heading into the fixture and possess one of the deepest squads remaining in the tournament.

Spain's defensive record has been among the standout stories of the World Cup. After four matches, Luis de la Fuente's side has yet to concede a goal, highlighting the balance between a creative midfield and an organised back line.

Rodri continues to anchor midfield, while Pedri has dictated play throughout the tournament.

Key players to watch

​Cristiano Ronaldo remains Portugal's biggest name and will be aiming to extend his World Cup career by at least one more match.

Bruno Fernandes will be expected to provide creativity, while Rafael Leao's pace could prove decisive on the counter attack.

For Spain, Mikel Oyarzabal enters the match in excellent form after scoring twice against Austria. Lamine Yamal continues to impress with his creativity, while Rodri's control in midfield could be one of the defining factors.

Match outlook

This is widely regarded as the headline fixture of the Round of 16.

Portugal possess experience, attacking quality and match winners throughout the squad. However, Spain have arguably been the tournament's most complete team, combining defensive solidity with patient possession football.

The midfield battle between Rodri, Pedri and Merino against Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Vitinha is likely to determine which side controls the tempo.

With a place in the quarter finals on the line, another closely contested encounter is expected between two of Europe's traditional football powers.