Portugal vs Spain: Ronaldo, Yamal start as Felix returns in World Cup blockbuster

By Adegboyega Adeleye

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo and Spain teenage sensation Lamine Yamal have both been named in the starting line-ups for Tuesday’s blockbuster 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final clash.

Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez has made one change to the side that defeated Croatia, recalling João Félix to the starting XI in place of Rafael Leão, who drops to the bench.

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente, meanwhile, has retained the same XI that eased past Austria 3-0 in the previous round.

Portugal will once again look to veteran forward Ronaldo for inspiration as they seek a place in the semi-finals, with the 41-year-old leading an attack that also features Félix and Pedro Neto.

Spain’s midfield is anchored by Rodri, with Pedri and Dani Olmo providing creativity behind the front three.

The winners will advance to the World Cup semi-finals as two of Europe’s football heavyweights renew one of international football’s biggest rivalries.

Confirmed line-ups

Portugal: Diogo Costa; João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, João Neves, Bruno Fernandes; Pedro Neto, Cristiano Ronaldo, João Félix.

Substitutes: José Sá, Rui Silva, Nélson Semedo, Tomás Araújo, Diogo Dalot, Gonçalo Inácio, Tiago Djaló Costa, Matheus Nunes, Bernardo Silva, Rúben Neves, Gonçalo Ramos, Francisco Trincão, Rafael Leão, Gonçalo Guedes, Francisco Conceição.

Spain: Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Álex Baena.

Substitutes: David Raya, Álex García, Marc Pubill, Alejandro Grimaldo, Eric García, Marcos Llorente, Mikel Merino, Fabián Ruiz, Gavi, Martín Zubimendi, Ferran Torres, Yeremy Pino, Nico Williams, César Muñoz, Pablo Iglesias.

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