Iberian rivals Portugal and Spain go toe-to-toe in arguably the pick of the last-16 ties as the 2026 World Cup prepares to bid farewell to one of its pre-tournament favourites. Both nations were rated among the top six candidates heading into the finals but this will be as far as one of them goes, with the possibility of it also being Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup swansong .
The record-breaking forward has not ruled out being available to play in a seventh World Cup in 2030 , where Portugal will be joint hosts, but he would be 45 years old then and the decision may not be his to make. Whatever happens, we think this will be the former Real Madrid star’s last appearance at this summer’s extravaganza as the Spain World Cup 2026 squad take another step towards the final.
Our opening Portugal vs Spain prediction is for La Roja to qualify @ 4/9.
Betting Odds
Portugal vs Spain Betting Odds – 2026 World Cup Round of 16
Result | Odds | Chance |
|---|---|---|
Portugal | 3/1 | 25% |
Spain | 20/23 | 53.5% |
Draw | 12/5 | 29.4% |
*Odds are correct at the time of writing, but subject to change.
Spain are 20/23 favourites to beat Portugal , who are 3/1 for the win, with the draw at 12/5.
How to Watch
How to watch Portugal vs Spain
The World Cup round of 16 match is scheduled to begin at 20:00 BST on Monday and will be shown live on BBC1.
Early Payout Offer
2+ Goals Early Payout at BOYLE Sports
Back a football team with BOYLE Sports and if they go 2 goals ahead at any point, you're a winner. Full stop. It doesn't matter if they go on to draw or lose. Available on match betting markets across selected competitions. T&Cs apply.
Predicted Starting XIs
Predicted Lineups
Portugal Predicted XI
Spain Predicted XI
Form Guides
Portugal form guide
They are still unbeaten in North America but the Portugal World Cup campaign has not been for the faint hearted. Aside from a 5-0 drubbing of Uzbekistan , all of their matches have remained in the balance until the final whistle. They drew 1-1 with DR Congo and 0-0 with Colombia in the group stage, costing them top spot, and then edged past Croatia 2-1 in an eventful last-32 encounter which could have gone either way.
Ivan Perisic put Croatia ahead but Ronaldo equalised with a 68th-minute penalty to set up a thrilling, and what would prove to be a hugely controversial, finale. After Roberto Martinez raised eyebrows by taking off Ronaldo , Portugal super-sub Goncalo Ramos headed in a stoppage-time winner but Croatia were left in disbelief when a last-gasp equaliser was ruled out in contentious circumstances.
Buoyed by that escape, and the fact they are playing their biggest rivals, Portugal will need no extra motivation for Monday’s last-16 tie and for our World Cup tips today we’re going for the match to finish in a score draw @ 7/2.
Spain form guide
The Spain World Cup title bid may have got off to an inauspicious start, held goalless by minnows Cape Verde , but the reigning European champions are now showing why they were the pre-tournament favourites.
Monday’s convincing 3-0 win over Austria in the last 32 extended Spain’s run to 34 matches since they were last beaten over 90 minutes , while they are one of only two nations alongside Mexico yet to concede a goal at these finals.
However, they only game Spain have lost since March 2024 was at the hands of the Portuguese , going down 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the 2025 Nations League final, and we think this match could well go all the way too. For more of our World Cup tips today we’re going for Spain to win on spot-kicks @ 9/1 .
Betting Tips
Portugal vs Spain Betting Tips – World Cup Round of 16
Draw & BTTS in normal time @ 7/2
Spain to win on penalties @ 9/1
Simply click/tap on the above betting tips to add to your betslip.
Bet on Football Odds at BOYLE Sports
*Prices are subject to fluctuation
Remember, Always Gamble Responsibly
Not all opinions are equal. The BOYLE Sports Team is made up of experts who know the sports and betting world inside out, delivering the kind of insights and analysis that give you a real edge where it matters most.
