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Portugal vs Spain World Cup 2026 preview: predicted starting lineups and formations (4-3-3 vs 4-3-3), tactical matchup, key players (Gonçalo Guedes and Cristiano Ronaldo · Nico Williams and Borja Iglesias) and our match prediction. This is a round of 16 knockout tie — win or go home. Kick-off Monday, 6 July 2026 at 19:00 UTC. Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington. Predicted starting lineups below update automatically when official XIs are announced.
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There is little to separate Portugal and Spain on paper — expect a tight, even game. Portugal's biggest threat runs through Gonçalo Guedes and Cristiano Ronaldo, while Spain will pin their hopes on Nico Williams and Borja Iglesias. It is the round of 16 — win or go home. The match is staged at AT&T Stadium, Arlington. The predicted XIs reflect current form and squad news; official lineups are confirmed about an hour before kick-off. Make your own call — predict the result, exact score and goalscorers on FootballDream before kick-off.
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Portugal line up in a 4-3-3, Spain in a 4-3-3. Neither side holds a clear edge, so transitions and game management could be the difference. The midfield — Bruno Fernandes and Rúben Neves against Rodri and Pedri — is where the game is likely won. In a knockout tie the first goal and set pieces carry outsized weight, with caution often trumping early ambition.
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- Portugal: Gonçalo Guedes, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonçalo Ramos — 4-3-3 match.formationSuffix
- Spain: Nico Williams, Borja Iglesias, Lamine Yamal — 4-3-3 match.formationSuffix
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