Sports

Classic between Portugal and Spain shakes up the round of 16 of the World Cup this Monday

The definition of the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup continues this Monday (6) with two clashes that promise strong emotions. The big highlight of the day is the derby between Portugal and Spain, which pits...

Share
Classic between Portugal and Spain shakes up the round of 16 of the World Cup this Monday
Noticias ao Minuto - Esporte

The definition of the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup continues this Monday (6) with two clashes that promise strong emotions. The big highlight of the day is the derby between Portugal and Spain, which pits Cristiano Ronaldo and Lamine Yamal face to face. Later, the United States and Belgium compete for the last place in the bracket.

The duel between the Portuguese and Spanish will be played at 4pm (Brasília time), in Dallas, and brings together two teams considered among the favorites for the title. Undefeated in the tournament, the teams reach the knockout stages experiencing different moments.

Spain is on a run of 35 matches without defeat. The team led Group H, eliminated Austria 3-0 in the previous phase and has yet to concede a goal in this World Cup. In addition to defensive consistency, it has the good form of striker Mikel Oyarzabal, the team's top scorer in the tournament, and young Lamine Yamal, one of the main revelations in world football.

Portugal also remains undefeated, but had a more turbulent campaign. The team finished second in Group K and needed to beat Croatia to advance to the round of 16. At 41 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo is playing in his sixth World Cup and leads the team with three goals scored.

The clash marks the third meeting between Portugal and Spain in the World Cup. In 2010, Spain won 1-0 in the round of 16 and went on to win the title. The second duel took place in 2018, when the teams drew 3-3 in a historic match, marked by Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick. The most recent meeting was in the 2025 Nations League final, won by the Portuguese on penalties.

At 9pm, in Seattle, the United States and Belgium close the round of 16 schedule. The Americans arrive motivated after leading Group D and eliminating Bosnia and Herzegovina in the previous phase, even playing much of the second half with one player less.

The good news for the hosts is the presence of striker Folarin Balogun. Expelled in the last match, he had his suspension overturned and will be available. The team's top scorer in the World Cup, with three goals, Balogun forms the offensive sector alongside Christian Pulisic, the team's main technical reference.

Belgium, on the other hand, is trying to confirm its recovery in the tournament. After an irregular group stage, the team staged an impressive fightback against Senegal. Trailing 2-0 until the final minutes of the second half, they sought a draw and secured qualification in extra time with a penalty converted by Youri Tielemans.

Experience is the Belgians' main weapon. Kevin De Bruyne continues as leader of the team, which also has names like Courtois, Trossard, Doku and Tielemans. Romelu Lukaku, decisive in the last match, is still a doubt among the starters.

The winner of the United States x Belgium will face whoever advances from the classic between Portugal and Spain.

Games this Monday (6):

4pm – Portugal x SpainBroadcast: TV Globo, sportv, Globoplay, ge.globo, ge TV, SBT, NSports and CazéTV.

9pm – United States x Belgium Broadcast: CazéTV.

England beat Mexico 3-2 at the Azteca Stadium, eliminated the hosts

England beat Mexico 3-2 at the Azteca Stadium, eliminated the hosts from the World Cup and will now face Norway, Brazil's tormentors, in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup

Source: Noticias ao Minuto - Esporte

This story was originally published by Noticias ao Minuto - Esporte. Visit the original publication for further details.

Open original publication
More coverage

Related stories