World Cup 2026: Portugal vs Spain Tips, Prediction & Odds

* Prices from Betway, accurate when this was written.

Portugal and Spain clash in Arlington, Texas, kicking off at 21:00 CAT on Monday, in a last 16 game between two of the big guns of European football. Spain come in unbeaten and have not let in a goal at this World Cup, while Portugal got here thanks to a late Goncalo Ramos winner against Croatia. These two teams share plenty of history, having drawn in last year's Nations League final before Portugal won the shootout. BettingTop10 South Africa has been looking forward to this Iberian derby ever since the draw. You will find all our World Cup betting predictions in our dedicated section.

Portugal 

Portugal have been up and down at this tournament, hammering Uzbekistan by five goals, but also failing to score against Colombia and needing a late Goncalo Ramos header to get past Croatia. Cristiano Ronaldo is still the main man up front and takes the penalties, and I think the creativity of Rafael Leao and Bruno Fernandes will be vital against a stingy Spain defence. Ruben Dias has got over a fitness worry and should lead the back line, and Nuno Mendes and Joao Felix are fit too. As I see it, Portugal have the talent but have looked sluggish in the final third.

Expected Lineup: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Vitinha, Neves; Neto, Fernandes, Leao; Ronaldo.

Spain

Spain have been among the most complete sides at the tournament so far, topping their group and then beating Austria comfortably without conceding. They have four clean sheets in four games, with Rodri shielding a settled defence and Lamine Yamal bringing the spark down the right. Luis de la Fuente's worry is out wide, as Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino were both injured against Uruguay and could miss this game. Even so, I think Spain will keep the ball and carry more of a goal threat than their opponents.

Expected Lineup: Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri; Pedri, Olmo; Yamal, Oyarzabal, Baena.

Spain's defensive record and Portugal's trouble breaking teams down suggest a tight game with few goals. I think Spain will nick it by a single goal and keep yet another clean sheet, leaving Portugal frustrated once more. My forecast: Portugal 0 Spain 1.

BTTS: No (2.17)

Spain have not let in a single goal at this World Cup, and Colombia have already kept Portugal out once. With Spain set to have most of the ball and Portugal lacking fluency in attack in most of their games at this tournament, I am backing the both teams to score market to land on no at 2.17.