AT&T Stadium in Arlington, USA, will host the Spain and Portugal national teams on 6 July for the 2026 World Cup.
The Portugal national team
Portugal gave their fans quite a scare during their 2–1 victory over Croatia in the round of 16. However, the result that mattered was achieved, and they have progressed to the next round.
In their last nine matches in this tournament, the team have not conceded more than one goal, which provides a solid foundation for the future. This could be Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup match – should the team be knocked out of the tournament at this stage.
Portugal have scored exactly two goals in four of their last five victories. In six of their eight matches this year, the score was level at half-time.
Gonçalo Ramos averages a goal or an assist every 37 minutes at World Cups. This is the best record among Portuguese players in history who have been involved in at least five goal-scoring opportunities.
The Spanish national team
Spain have progressed to the round of 16 after a convincing 3–0 victory over Austria. The “Red Fury” have become the first team since Germany in the 2014 World Cup final to keep a clean sheet in a knockout match at the World Cup.
This impenetrable defence is not only the hallmark of this tournament, but also a feature under the management of Luis de la Fuente, who remains unbeaten in major tournaments (10 wins, 1 draw) and has conceded just four goals in those eleven matches.
Spain have kept a clean sheet in nine of their last ten official matches. At this World Cup, the side have received just two yellow cards.
Following his brace against Austria, Mikel Oyarzabal has now scored 17 goals in his last 16 starts for Spain. In three of their last four such matches, he has scored the opening goal.
Prediction
Both teams are likely to field near-full-strength line-ups, and Spain are also hoping for the return of Nico Williams.
Both the Portuguese and the Spanish rarely lose. A draw would certainly be a tempting option, but reality suggests we should look for more goals to be scored, as both national teams are capable of producing some impressive attacking football.
Over 2.5
