Yamal calls Ronaldo clash an 'honour' as Spain and Portugal set up World Cup last-16 showdown

Lamine Yamal has described a potential World Cup duel with Cristiano Ronaldo as ‘an honour’, after Spain and Portugal were drawn into a last-16 collision at the 2026 FIFA World Cup following results on the same matchday.

Spain sealed their place in the knockout rounds with a commanding 3-0 victory over Austria at Los Angeles Stadium, with the 18-year-old Barcelona forward among the standout performers despite still working his way back to full sharpness. Portugal, meanwhile, came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1, with Ronaldo breaking a long-standing personal hoodoo by scoring his first-ever World Cup knockout-stage goal — converting from the penalty spot at the age of 41.

Speaking to reporters after the Austria win, Yamal was measured when asked about facing Portugal. “I don’t really care,” he said in Spanish, underlining a focus on the immediate fixture rather than the identity of the next opponent. But he softened the remark when pressed specifically on Ronaldo, acknowledging it would be “an honour to play against Cristiano obviously,” while stressing that his primary concern remained securing the result for Spain.

Despite both players being prominent figures in La Liga, the two have never faced each other in the Spanish league. Their only previous meeting came in the UEFA Nations League Final, which Portugal won 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Ronaldo was substituted off in the 88th minute of that match through injury, meaning a full head-to-head encounter between the two generations has yet to materialise.

Yamal also reflected on the reception he has been receiving from crowds throughout the tournament. “I’m very happy for the year that I have been having in all the stadiums that I have played,” he said. “I thank you very much and it helps me to be more motivated.”

The Monday last-16 tie promises to be one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament, with the pre-match narrative inevitably centred on the contrast between the 18-year-old widely regarded as the sport’s next defining talent and the 41-year-old widely regarded as one of its greatest.