The Spanish selection already has a confirmed lineup for the decisive round of 16 duel of the 2026 World Cup against Portugal. Luis de la Fuente opts for a very recognizable team, with continuity as the main argument after the good performance shown in the previous round.
The starting eleven for Spain will be formed by:
Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Álex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal.
De la Fuente's main bet is to maintain the block that convincingly beat Austria, reinforcing confidence in players like Pedro Porro, established at right-back, and Dani Olmo, who once again acts as a link between midfield and attack.
In attack, Lamine Yamal will once again be the main offensive focus on the wing, accompanied by Álex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal, the main reference point in the Spanish attack during the championship. Meanwhile, the midfield will once again be led by the balance provided by Rodri and Pedri, with Dani Olmo playing ahead of both.
In defense, the coach maintains the pairing formed by Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte, escorted by Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella, with Unai Simón between the posts, consolidated as one of the most reliable players for the Spanish team.
Spain thus faces one of the most demanding matches of the tournament against a Portugal led by Cristiano Ronaldo, in an Iberian classic that comes just one year after the Nations League final won by the Portuguese. The winner of the match will obtain a ticket to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.