Yamal

Author: Gist Correspondent

Spain and Portugal booked a thrilling Round of 16 showdown at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after both sides secured impressive victories in their final group matches on Thursday.

Spain eased past Austria 3-0 at Los Angeles Stadium, with young star Lamine Yamal delivering another outstanding performance to inspire La Roja's dominant display.

Forward Mikel Oyarzabal continued his fine scoring form by netting his fourth goal of the tournament, moving closer to the leading scorers in the race for the Golden Boot. Spain also recorded a fourth consecutive clean sheet, underlining their credentials as one of the tournament's strongest teams.

Portugal, meanwhile, came from behind to defeat Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic encounter at Toronto Stadium.

Croatia took the lead through veteran Ivan Perisic, but Cristiano Ronaldo restored parity from the penalty spot after seeing an earlier effort ruled out.

Substitute Goncalo Ramos struck the decisive goal deep into stoppage time to complete Portugal's comeback, while Croatia were denied a dramatic equaliser when Josko Gvardiol's late effort narrowly failed to cross the line.

The victories set up one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament as Spain, led by teenage sensation Yamal, face Ronaldo's Portugal in a blockbuster Round of 16 clash. The encounter promises to pit one of football's brightest emerging talents against one of the game's greatest-ever players in a contest expected to capture global attention.