Spain, Portugal renew rivalry in World Cup last 16

For nearly a month, the World Cup has been a celebration of dreams. Some nations have lived them. Others have watched them disappear.

Now, the tournament enters its most unforgiving stage.

There are no second chances, no room for recovery, and no consolation prizes. Every match becomes a final, every mistake can end a campaign, and every whistle sends one team home.

As the Round of 16 gathers momentum, the spotlight turns to one of its biggest fixtures. Spain and Portugal renew one of football's fiercest rivalries in Arlington, Texas, on Monday, with a place in the quarter-finals and a World Cup dream on the line.

Different routes, same ambition

Spain looked every bit a title contender.

The reigning European champions brushed aside Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring twice and Marc Cucurella providing both assists. They have now won all four matches, scored 10 goals, and remain the only team yet to concede in the tournament.

Portugal's journey has been far more dramatic.

Roberto Martinez's side needed a 94th-minute winner from Goncalo Ramos to beat Croatia 2-1 after Cristiano Ronaldo had equalised from the penalty spot. A late Croatian goal was ruled out by VAR, allowing Portugal to survive one of the tournament's closest contests.

While Spain advanced comfortably, Portugal showed they can still find a way when the pressure is greatest.

A rivalry rich in history

Spain and Portugal have faced each other 41 times, producing one of international football's most enduring rivalries.

Their most famous World Cup meeting came in 2018, when Ronaldo scored a stunning hat-trick in a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Spain also eliminated Portugal in the 2010 World Cup Round of 16 before going on to become world champions, while they prevailed on penalties in the Euro 2012 semi-finals.

Portugal finally struck back in the 2025 UEFA Nations League final, winning another dramatic shootout.

History offers little to separate the neighbours.

Stars ready for another classic

Spain's young generation has lit up the tournament.

Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Pedri have combined flair with maturity, while Oyarzabal has emerged as their most clinical finisher.

Portugal still possess the experience of Ronaldo, but their attack is now driven equally by Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao and Ramos, whose late heroics against Croatia kept their campaign alive.

What could decide the tie

Spain are expected to dominate possession with their patient passing and relentless pressing.

Portugal may prefer a different approach.

Their strength lies in quick transitions, where Leao's pace and Ronaldo's finishing can punish defensive mistakes. Ramos also offers another aerial threat from set pieces.

Only one survives

The winner will move into the quarter-finals to face either the United States or Belgium.

For Spain, victory strengthens their claim as one of the favourites for the title.

For Portugal and perhaps for Ronaldo in what is likely to be his final World Cup it keeps alive one last shot at football's biggest prize.

The knockout stage has already claimed several dreams.

On Monday, it will claim another.

Two European giants will enter.

Only one will leave with their World Cup hopes intact.