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Portugal vs Spain Prediction: 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16
Portugal vs Spain prediction. The Iberian Derby arrives at the World Cup. Portugal face Spain in the Round of 16 at AT&T Stadium, Arlington on Monday, 6 July 2026 (21:00 SAST (Monday, 6 July 2026)). Ronaldo scored his first-ever World Cup knockout goal in the Croatia win; Spain demolished Austria 3-0. Nico Williams is out; Yamal leads Spain’s attack. Our prediction: Spain to win. Full analysis, team news, line-ups and all markets on SportPesa. zeppelin.cool
Match details
| Field | Detail |
| Competition | 2026 FIFA World Cup — Round of 16 |
| Date & kick-off | Monday, 6 July 2026 at 21:00 SAST (Monday, 6 July 2026) |
| Venue | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, USA (Dallas–Fort Worth area) |
| How they got here | Portugal: beat Croatia 2-1 (Ramos 94’) in R32. Spain: beat Austria 3-0 in R32 (no shots on target conceded). |
| Context | The Iberian Derby. Portugal won the 2025 UEFA Nations League Final vs Spain on penalties (2-2 AET). Spain hold historical WC head-to-head advantage. |
| Format | Single elimination. If level after 90 mins: 30 mins extra time, then penalty shoot-out. |
| Where to watch | DSTV/GOTV |
The Iberian Derby: penalty kings vs La Roja’s machine
This is one of the most anticipated fixtures the World Cup has produced. The Iberian Derby — one of football’s oldest and most fiercely contested international rivalries — arrives with everything at stake. From 40 meetings, Spain hold the historical upper hand with 18 wins to Portugal’s 7, and 15 draws between them.
Portugal’s Round of 32 was nothing short of dramatic. A 2-1 victory over Croatia, sealed by Gonçalo Ramos’ 94th-minute winner, delivered one of the tournament’s most thrilling moments. Critically, Cristiano Ronaldo scored in that match — his first-ever goal in a World Cup knockout fixture. At 41, in what is almost certainly his final World Cup, Ronaldo’s historic milestone adds an extraordinary emotional dimension to this match. Roberto Martínez has a completely clean bill of health with zero injury or suspension concerns.
Spain’s performance against Austria was one of the tournament’s most dominant: a 3-0 win in which Austria were not permitted a single shot on target. Luis de la Fuente’s side remain the competition’s most defensively formidable team, having kept clean sheets in nine of their last ten competitive matches. The only cloud is the confirmed absence of Nico Williams — a tournament-ending adductor injury rules him out entirely. In his place, Lamine Yamal is restored to a starting position and is expected to carry Spain’s creative burden from the right. Mikel Oyarzabal, Dani Olmo and Pedri complete a midfield and forward line of exceptional quality. Rodri anchors from deep.
The recent form points to Spain. But Portugal’s victory over La Roja in the 2025 Nations League Final — holding them to a 2-2 draw and winning on penalties — proves Martínez’s side know how to handle Spain under pressure. Bruno Fernándes, Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto and Ronaldo give Portugal genuine counter-attacking threat to exploit the spaces Spain leave in transition.
Availability
| Player | Status |
| Nico Williams (Spain) | OUT — tournament-ending adductor injury. Will not play again at this World Cup. |
| Lamine Yamal (Spain) | RETURNS to starting XI in Williams’ absence. Spain’s key player. |
Team news and expected line-ups
Portugal: Clean bill of health. Ronaldo leads after his historic Croatia goal. Fernándes at number 10. Leão and Neto wide. Neves and Vitinha in midfield.
Spain: Yamal starts in Williams’ absence. Oyarzabal leads. Rodri anchors. Pedri and Olmo in midfield. Cubarsí and Laporte in defence.
| Portugal (4-3-3) | Spain (4-3-3) |
| Diogo Costa (GK) | Unai Simón (GK) |
| João Cancelo (RB) | Pedro Porro (RB) |
| Rúben Dias (CB) | Pau Cubarsí (CB) |
| Renato Veiga (CB) | Aymeric Laporte (CB) |
| Nuno Mendes (LB) | Marc Cucurella (LB) |
| João Neves (DM) | Rodri (DM) |
| Vitinha (CM) | Pedri (CM) |
| Pedro Neto (RW) | Dani Olmo (CM) |
| Bruno Fernándes (AM) | Lamine Yamal (RW) |
| Rafael Leão (LW) | Mikel Oyarzabal (ST) |
| Cristiano Ronaldo (ST) | Alex Baena (LW) |
Key stats
- Portugal: R32 result — beat Croatia 2-1 (Ramos 94’).
- Cristiano Ronaldo: scored vs Croatia — his first-ever World Cup knockout goal. Historic milestone.
- Portugal: clean bill of health. Zero injury/suspension concerns.
- Portugal: beat Spain on penalties in the 2025 UEFA Nations League Final (2-2 AET).
- Portugal form: W D W D W.
- Spain: R32 result — beat Austria 3-0. Austria allowed no shots on target.
- Spain: clean sheets in 9 of last 10 competitive matches.
- Nico Williams: OUT — tournament-ending adductor injury. Confirmed.
- Lamine Yamal: starts in Williams’ place. Spain’s most dangerous creative outlet.
- Spain form: W W W W W — five consecutive wins in the tournament.
- Spain: defending European champions (Euro 2024 winners).
- All-time H2H: Spain W18 D15 Portugal W7 from 40 meetings.
- Last competitive meeting: 2025 UEFA Nations League Final — Portugal won on penalties (2-2 AET).
- Last WC meeting: 2018 World Cup group stage, Sochi — 3-3 draw (Ronaldo hat-trick).
Head-to-head
Spain hold the historical advantage with 18 wins from 40 meetings, Portugal 7 wins and 15 draws. However, the most recent competitive encounter — the 2025 UEFA Nations League Final — ended with Portugal lifting the trophy via a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw. Their most memorable World Cup meeting was the 2018 group stage 3-3 draw in Sochi, featuring a Ronaldo hat-trick.
| Date | Result |
| 2025 UEFA Nations League Final | Portugal 2–2 Spain AET (Portugal won on penalties) |
| 15 June 2018 | Portugal 3–3 Spain (2018 World Cup group stage, Sochi) |
| All-time | Spain W18 D15 Portugal W7 from 40 meetings |
Current form
| Team | Last 5 (inc. WC) |
| Portugal | W D W D W — beat Croatia 2-1 in R32 (Ramos 94’) |
| Spain | W W W W W — beat Austria 3-0; 9 clean sheets in last 10 competitive |
Our prediction
Spain’s defensive record — having conceded zero goals in this tournament, nine clean sheets in their last ten competitive matches — makes them the most complete side remaining. The return of Yamal provides the attacking spark that compensates for Williams’ absence, and Rodri’s presence gives them an unmatched midfield platform.
Portugal are a genuine threat on the counter. Ronaldo in a World Cup knockout — with his first-ever goal in such a fixture already on the board — is a uniquely motivated force. Leão, Neto and Fernándes offer quality in behind Spain’s high line. And Portugal’s 2025 Nations League Final win proves they have the tactical blueprint to beat this Spain side.
Spain’s sustained dominance, the weight of their defensive record, and the structural quality of De la Fuente’s system make them the slight analytical favourites. But this is the Iberian Derby at a World Cup — expect a tight, tense match that could yet be decided by a moment of individual brilliance or a penalty shootout.
Our prediction: Spain to win.
Odds and markets
Odds correct at 2100Hrs UTC on Monday, 6th July 2026.
How to bet on SportPesa
- Open the Portugal vs Spain event page on SportPesa (link above).
- Choose your market — Single Bet (SB), Multi-Bet (MB), or Live Bet (LB) once the match starts.
- Enter your stake and place your bet.
Frequently asked questions
What time does Portugal vs Spain kick off?
Kick-off is at 21:00 SAST (Monday, 6 July 2026) on Monday, 6 July 2026, at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, USA.
Has Ronaldo ever scored in a World Cup knockout match before?
No — until the Round of 32 win over Croatia, Cristiano Ronaldo had never scored in a World Cup knockout fixture in his entire career. His goal against Croatia in the 94th-minute win made history.
Is Nico Williams playing for Spain?
No. Nico Williams suffered a tournament-ending adductor injury and will not play again at World Cup 2026. Lamine Yamal returns to the starting XI to fill the creative void on Spain’s right.
When did Portugal last beat Spain?
Portugal beat Spain in the 2025 UEFA Nations League Final, holding them to a 2-2 draw before winning the trophy on a penalty shootout. It was a significant recent result that gives Portugal genuine confidence heading into this fixture.
What is the all-time Portugal vs Spain head-to-head record?
Spain hold the historical advantage: 18 wins to Portugal’s 7, with 15 draws from 40 total meetings. However, Portugal have shown consistently in recent years that the gap between the nations at elite level is minimal.
READ ALSO: Argentina vs Egypt prediction.
H1: USA vs Belgium Prediction: 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16
USA vs Belgium prediction.Co-hosts USA face Belgium in the Round of 16 at Lumen Field, Seattle on Tuesday, 7 July 2026 (02:00 SAST (Tuesday, 7 July 2026)). Balogun’s one-match ban was suspended by FIFA — he is available. Belgium beat Senegal 3-2 AET; Lukaku expected to start over De Ketelaere. Our prediction: both teams to score.Full analysis, team news, line-ups and all markets on SportPesa.
Match details
| Field | Detail |
| Competition | 2026 FIFA World Cup — Round of 16 |
| Date & kick-off | Tuesday, 7 July 2026 at 02:00 SAST (Tuesday, 7 July 2026) |
| Venue | Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington, USA |
| How they got here | USA: beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in R32. Belgium: beat Senegal 3-2 AET (Tielemans 120’ penalty) in R32. |
| Format | Single elimination. If level after 90 mins: 30 mins extra time, then penalty shoot-out. |
| Where to watch | DSTV/GOTV |
Home comforts vs Belgium’s dominance
The United States arrive in Seattle for a match they were built to reach. Mauricio Pochettino’s side have been one of the tournament’s most entertaining attacking sides, scoring in every match and averaging at least two goals per game. Their 2-0 win over Bosnia in the R32 was comfortable. The Stars and Stripes are bidding for their first-ever World Cup quarter-final appearance since 2002, and playing at Lumen Field adds a home dimension to a game they will treat as the most important in the programme’s history.
The biggest pre-match development arrived late: a linked KE article confirms FIFA suspended Balogun’s one-match ban. The USA’s top scorer with three tournament goals — initially facing a suspension after his red card vs Bosnia — is cleared to start. Christian Pulisic continues to captain and orchestrate. Sergino Dest and Malik Tillman retain their places in the XI.
Belgium have never lost to the United States in modern football history. Their only defeat across the full head-to-head came at the 1930 World Cup. Since then, Belgium have won six consecutive meetings, including a 5-2 victory in a March 2026 friendly — just months before this tournament. Rudi Garcia’s side were pushed to extra time by Senegal before Youri Tielemans’ 120th-minute penalty sealed a 3-2 win. Romelu Lukaku has come off the bench to score in two consecutive matches and that form earns him a first start of the tournament, with Charles De Ketelaere dropping to the bench. Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku and Leandro Trossard complete a formidable attacking unit.
Team news and expected line-ups
USA: Balogun AVAILABLE — ban suspended by FIFA (5 July ruling). Expected to start. Pulisic captains. Dest and Tillman retain places. Adams anchors midfield.
Belgium: Lukaku STARTS — replaces De Ketelaere after bench goals in two straight matches. De Bruyne orchestrates. Doku and Trossard wide. Tielemans and Onana in midfield.
| USA (4-3-3 expected) | Belgium (4-3-3 expected) |
| Freese (GK) | Courtois (GK) |
| Freeman (RB) | Castagne (RB) |
| Ream (CB) | Mechélé (CB) |
| Richards (CB) | Theate (CB) |
| Robinson (LB) | De Cuyper (LB) |
| Adams (DM) | Tielemans (CM) |
| Tillman (CM) | Onana (DM) |
| Dest (RW) | Doku (RW) |
| McKennie (CM) | De Bruyne (AM) |
| Pulisic (LW) | Trossard (LW) |
| Balogun (ST) | Lukaku (ST) |
Key stats
- USA: R32 result — beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0.
- USA: scored at least 2 goals in every World Cup match. Averaging 2+ goals per game.
- Folarin Balogun: 3 tournament goals. Red card vs Bosnia. BAN SUSPENDED by FIFA on 5 July — available to start.
- Christian Pulisic: captain and creative leader.
- USA: bidding for first World Cup quarter-final since 2002.
- USA form: W L W W W.
- Belgium: R32 result — beat Senegal 3-2 AET (Tielemans 120’ penalty).
- Belgium: unbeaten in over a year (last defeat: Ukraine, March 2025).
- Romelu Lukaku: scored from bench in two consecutive matches. STARTS vs USA.
- Kevin De Bruyne: Belgium’s creative fulcrum. Central to everything.
- Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard: direct, dangerous wide options.
- Belgium: beat USA 5-2 in a March 2026 friendly. Beaten USA in all 6 of the last meetings.
- Belgium’s only defeat to USA: 1930 World Cup.
- Belgium form: W W D D W.
- H2H: Belgium W6 USA W1 (1930) in 7 meetings. USA last beat Belgium 93 years ago.
Head-to-head
Belgium have dominated the recent head-to-head utterly. USA’s only ever win came at the 1930 World Cup. Since then, Belgium have won six consecutive meetings, with the most recent being a 5-2 victory in a March 2026 friendly — played just before this tournament.
| Date | Result |
| 28 March 2026 | USA 2–5 Belgium (International Friendly) |
| 1 July 2014 | Belgium 2–1 USA (2014 World Cup R16, AET) |
| 30 May 2013 | USA 2–4 Belgium (Friendly) |
| 6 September 2011 | Belgium 1–0 USA (Friendly) |
| 25 February 1998 | Belgium 2–0 USA (Friendly) |
| 1930 | USA 3–0 Belgium (1930 World Cup) |
Current form
| Team | Last 5 (inc. WC) |
| USA | W L W W W — 2-0 vs Bosnia in R32; scoring in every match |
| Belgium | W W D D W — unbeaten 12+ months; Lukaku scoring from bench |
Our prediction
USA have the home support, the scoring threat — especially with Balogun reinstated — and the momentum of co-host advantage. Pulisic and McKennie will press Belgium from the first whistle.
Belgium’s H2H record is, however, emphatic. The 5-2 March 2026 friendly result is recent, directly relevant form. De Bruyne, Doku, Trossard and now Lukaku starting makes this a dangerous Belgian attack. Both sides have conceded just four goals in the tournament and both have consistently scored. A match with goals at both ends reflects the analytical middle ground between USA’s attacking home ambition and Belgium’s proven quality.
Our prediction: both teams to score.
Odds and market
Odds correct at 0200Hrs UTC on Tuesday,7th July 2026.
How to bet on SportPesa
- Open the USA vs Belgium event page on SportPesa (link above).
- Choose your market — Single Bet (SB), Multi-Bet (MB), or Live Bet (LB) once the match starts.
- Enter your stake and place your bet.
Frequently asked questions
What time does USA vs Belgium kick off?
Kick-off is at 02:00 SAST (Tuesday, 7 July 2026) on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, at Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Is Folarin Balogun playing for the USA?
Yes. Balogun received a red card in the Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina but FIFA subsequently suspended his one-match ban, clearing him to play. He is expected to start against Belgium.
Is Romelu Lukaku starting for Belgium?
Yes. Lukaku has scored from the bench in two consecutive matches and has earned a starting place for this fixture. Charles De Ketelaere, who started the Senegal match, is expected to drop to the bench.
What is Belgium’s record against the USA?
Belgium have won six consecutive meetings against the USA, including a 5-2 friendly victory in March 2026. The USA’s only win in the history of the fixture came at the 1930 World Cup. Belgium also beat the USA 2-1 in the 2014 World Cup Round of 16 after extra time.
Have USA ever beaten Belgium?
Only once — a 3-0 win at the inaugural 1930 World Cup in Uruguay. Belgium have won every meeting between the two nations since then, across six consecutive encounters spanning 1998 to 2026.
READ ALSO: Switzerland vs Colombia prediction.
France-Maroc : Hakimi lance les débats, Mbappé « pas son pote » sur le terrain
Achraf Hakimi a lancé le duel avec son ami Kylian Mbappé à quelques jours de France-Maroc en quart de finale de Coupe du monde.
À quelques jours du quart de finale de Coupe du monde entre l’équipe de France et le Maroc, le capitaine des Lions de l’Atlas Achraf Hakimi a lancé le duel à sa façon après une question sur son amitié avec Kylian Mbappé, croisé au PSG.
Dans une discussion sur les réseaux sociaux, l’humoriste marocain Mimo Lazrak a interpellé questionné le latéral du PSG sur cette confrontation avec l’attaquant du Real Madrid et lui a demandé de laisser de côté son amitié avec lui durant le match. Le défenseur a répondu de manière direct. « Ce n’est pas mon pote sur le terrain. », a répondu Hakimi en joignant à sa réponse, un drapeau du Maroc.
The post France-Maroc : Hakimi lance les débats, Mbappé « pas son pote » sur le terrain appeared first on AfricaFootUnited.
Ligue 1 : le RC Strasbourg recrute le gardien Miłosz Piekutowski
Le gardien polonais Miłosz Piekutowski rejoint le RC Strasbourg pour la saison prochaine.
Le Racing Club de Strasbourg alsace a officialisé, lundi, la signature de Miłosz Piekutowski. Le gardien polonais de 20 ans, qui arrive en provenance du Jagiellonia Białystok, s’est engagé avec le racing jusqu’en 2031.
Formé au sein du club polonais, il a participé à 8 rencontres toutes compétitions confondues l’an dernier dont 4 matchs de championnat, le jeune portier a disputé deux matchs de Ligue Conference, dont un contre Strasbourg à la Meinau en octobre 2025 (1-1). Après la rencontre, le coach alsacien Liam Rosenior avait encensé le gardien. « Piekutowski ? Un héros. Quelle performance ! Il s’en souviendra certainement ; il a été brillant, et grâce à lui, nous n’avons plus marqué. », avait indiqué le technicien anglais en conférence de presse.
The post Ligue 1 : le RC Strasbourg recrute le gardien Miłosz Piekutowski appeared first on AfricaFootUnited.