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Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal will face their toughest World Cup test yet when they meet European champions Spain at Dallas Stadium on Monday in the competition's round of 16.
Having beaten Croatia 2-1 on Friday in the most controversial of circumstances, Portugal will know that they cannot rely on the same type of luck against Spain, who comfortably swept Austria aside 3-0 on Thursday in the round of 32.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions, as well as our best 2026 World Cup betting offers and free bets.
Portugal vs Spain key stats
- Spain have kept a clean sheet in nine of their last 10 competitive games.
- Portugal have conceded at least two goals in five of their past 13 competitive matches.
- Spain have scored three or more goals in 10 of their 17 most recent fixtures.
- Mikel Oyarzabal has scored 17 goals in his last 16 appearances for Spain.
Portugal vs Spain preview: Cristiano Ronaldo's last ever World Cup game?
| Portugal | vs | Spain |
|---|---|---|
| 5th | FIFA Ranking | 2nd |
| Cristiano Ronaldo (232) | Most Caps | Sergio Ramos (180) |
| Cristiano Ronaldo (146) | Most Goals | David Villa (59) |
| 1,223 | Total Caps | 806 |
| 266 | Total Goals | 124 |
| 0 | Uncapped Players | 0 |
Portugal were trailing 1-0 when Croatia opened the scoring in their round of 32 clash in the 53rd minute, but a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty and a 94th-minute header from Goncalo Ramos secured the country's progression.
However, Roberto Martinez's side were incredibly fortunate that Croatia had an equaliser – which came in the 13th minute of second-half stoppage time – ruled out for an apparent offside offence that was called due to the ball touching Igor Matanovic's hair on the way through to Mario Pasalic.
The only thing that mattered for Portugal was reaching the last 16, though they have not been particularly impressive this summer, with the nation held to draws with Congo DR and Colombia in the group stage, while also struggling at both ends of the pitch.
The debate about Cristiano Ronaldo's place in the starting XI is not a new one, with many observers arguing that the team often play better without him, especially as the Al-Nassr striker has found it increasingly difficult to get the better of opposition defenders as he has aged.
Indeed, the 41-year-old's goal from the penalty spot means he is still searching for his first ever non-penalty goal in a World Cup knockout match, but given his status, it would be a shock to see him left out of the lineup on Monday.
Spain were dominant against Austria, with the victors not facing a single shot on target, while they also mustered 51 touches in the penalty area, 41 more than their opponents.
Boss Luis de la Fuente will be delighted that his side have bounced back from their goalless stalemate with Cape Verde in their opening game of the tournament, with his side winning 4-0 against Saudi Arabia, 1-0 against Uruguay and 3-0 against Austria.
La Roja appear to be the biggest threat to France at the World Cup, but if the likes of Lamine Yamal and Rodri are to lead the country to success on the global stage, they face the prospect of having to get past Les Bleus in the semi-finals.
Unfortunately for Spain, they are likely to head into their round of 16 clash without winger Nico Williams, who was on the receiving end of a harsh challenge in the group stage against Uruguay, and he may be sidelined for a second consecutive match because of an adductor injury.
His absence will place additional pressure on Yamal to step up and deliver, but while there is a chance that Spain could be one-dimensional in attack, Williams's replacement Alex Baena was impressive in a narrow role on the left last time out.
Portugal vs Spain form guide & betting tips
| Portugal | vs | Spain |
|---|---|---|
WDWDW |
Form | WDWWW |
| 10 | Goals For | 11 |
| 3 | Goals Against | 1 |
| DWDW | World Cup | DWWW |
Whispers predicts: Portugal 1-3 Spain
Spain's performances have been far more impressive at this World Cup than Portugal's, so it is no surprise to see that the bookmakers have priced a Spanish victory at 10/11 (1.91), with a Portuguese win valued at 3/1 (4).
One of the most likely outcomes on the pitch – if there are goals – is for Mikel Oyarzabal to Score given he has found the back of the net 17 times in his last 16 games for Spain, so a bet at 6/4 (2.5) would be logical.
Spain have often been ruthless in the final third, scoring three or more goals in 10 of their last 17 fixtures, so it could be worthwhile backing Spain to Score Over 2.5 Goals at 11/4 (3.75).
La Roja's attacking prowess has also been matched by their defensive resilience, so it could make sense to predict Portugal to Score Under 1.5 Goals, a prediction valued at 7/20 (1.35).
> Mikel Oyarzabal to Score at 6/4 (2.5) | Likelihood: Possible
> Spain to Score Over 2.5 Goals at 11/4 (3.75) | Likelihood: Possible
> Portugal to Score Under 1.5 Goals at 7/20 (1.35) | Likelihood: Outside