WC 2026: Portugal vs Spain 06/07/2026

Spain look far more convincing than Portugal at the moment, and I expect them to confirm their quality by securing a place in the quarter-finals.

Betting on the Match Winner

The two teams have taken completely different paths to the Round of 16. Spain cruised past Austria with a comfortable 3-0 victory, while Portugal needed plenty of drama to eliminate Croatia, who even had a stoppage-time equaliser ruled out.

Spain remain the only team yet to concede a goal at this World Cup, and the impression is that they are improving with every match. Portugal, meanwhile, have several key players performing well below their usual standards. Their midfield, which was expected to be the team’s greatest strength, has looked surprisingly sluggish and ineffective. Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes have struggled to provide the control, stability and creativity Portugal desperately need, something Spain’s disciplined and well-organised side could exploit.

This Iberian derby is likely to begin cautiously, with neither team willing to take unnecessary risks. However, as the game progresses, I expect Spain to take control, find the breakthrough and secure their place in the quarter-finals, where they would face the winner of the Switzerland vs Colombia clash.