Yamal and Ronaldo set for World Cup rematch as Spain meet Portugal in Dallas round of 16

Spain and Portugal will meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 on Monday, 6 July at Dallas Stadium, setting up a rematch between two of the tournament’s most watched players: Lamine Yamal and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Both nations advanced on Thursday. Spain were comfortable winners, beating Austria 3-0 at Los Angeles Stadium, while Portugal required a late push to edge Croatia 2-1 at Toronto Stadium.

The fixture is a repeat of the 2025 UEFA Nations League final, in which the two sides drew 2-2 before Spain won on penalties to claim the title. Ronaldo scored one of Portugal’s goals in that game; Yamal contributed neither a goal nor an assist.

Ronaldo, now 41, has shown no signs of slowing down in North America, scoring four goals across three group-stage appearances to make him one of the tournament’s leading scorers. Yamal, 18, opened his World Cup account in Spain’s 4-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia in the group stage.

The pair are separated by 23 years and Monday will mark only the second time they have faced each other in a competitive match. Their age gap alone has made the fixture one of the most anticipated of the round of 16, pitting the game’s most decorated active player against the teenager widely regarded as his long-term successor.

Kick-off at Dallas Stadium is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Monday, 6 July.