On July 6th, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will enter its 3rd day of the Round of 16. At Portugal will play Spain, and at 8:00, host nation USA will play Belgium. The four teams will compete for the remaining two quarter-final spots.

Portugal vs. Spain: Eight years later, the FIFA World Cup once again features an Iberian Peninsula derby.

Comparing the 26-man squads, Spain's total market value of 1.22 billion euros is slightly higher than Portugal's 1.01 billion euros. In the Round of 32, Portugal advanced by eliminating Croatia thanks to a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo and a last-minute goal from Milan's new star Gonçalo Ramos. Spain, meanwhile, cruised into the Round of 16 with a 3-0 win over Austria, sealed by a brace from Oyarzabal and a header from Porro.

At this FIFA World Cup, Spain have scored eight goals and conceded none, showcasing the composure and synergy of European champions in both attack and defense. De la Fuente's tactical arrangements for the current Spanish team appear increasingly mature. Being super confident, the Spanish boss claimed that the team's midfield is as powerful as that of the 2010 champion. While Portugal's squad is star-studded, the team's performances in this tournament have been consistently underwhelming. From the group stage to the Round of 32, Portugal's midfield and forward lines have used four different lineup combinations in four matches, and Martinez has yet to find the most suitable tactical setup for the team.

Spain continues to demonstrate its exceptional pass-and-move control at this FIFA World Cup, with an average possession rate of 68% highlighting their absolute dominance of the game's tempo. De la Fuente's system not only emphasizes possession but also focuses on disrupting opponents' attacking organization through continuous pressure and quick counter-pressing. Yamal and Porro on the right wing are currently Spain's most dazzling attacking weapons, while Oyarzabal is in fine form up front, having already scored 4 goals. It is worth noting that Spain have scored first in the first half in each of their last three matches, demonstrating their ability to control games after taking the lead.

Portugal's path to advancement has been more arduous. In the Round of 32 against Croatia, they conceded first and only narrowly advanced thanks to a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo and a stoppage-time winner from Gonçalo Ramos. After the match, Martinez emphasized that the team's strength lies in its tactical flexibility—they can switch between a two-striker system, a single striker, three number 10s, and inverted wingers. However, practical challenges are also evident: Portugal's high-press efficiency is low, and after losing possession, they often need to retreat into a deep defensive block. Against Spain's extreme possession and passing game, Portugal will likely be in a passive position, relying on counter-attacks and set pieces as their primary means of breaking the deadlock.

The essence of this match is a philosophical clash between "possession" and "efficiency." Spain's average expected goals conceded is just 0.78, supported by an almost airtight defensive structure, while Portugal's average expected goals is 1.35, reflecting their ability to turn limited opportunities into high-quality finishes. The key midfield matchups will likely determine the outcome. If Portugal can capitalize on their set-piece advantage and Leão's one-on-one explosiveness on the left wing, they still have a chance to breach Spain's defense. However, given Spain's formidable ability to control games, Portugal's slow starts, and their pattern of having to chase matches after conceding first, this is very likely to become a war of attrition lasting beyond 70 minutes, with extra time or even penalties not to be ruled out.

In terms of injuries, the Portuguese squad is fully fit, with all players healthy. Cristiano Ronaldo's physical condition and Martinez's squad rotation will be key. Nico Williams, who was injured for Spain's previous matches, has rejoined team training and is expected to play in this match. Rodri's physical condition after his major injury, and whether he can withstand a prolonged battle of attrition, will also be critical factors in the game's outcome.

Match Information

Match Time: July 6th, 2026, 14:00 PM(Arlington time)

Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, USA

Referee: Anthony Taylor (England)

USA vs. Belgium: Host nation meets the Red Devils again in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16

The FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between the USA and Belgium will be held at Lumen Field in Seattle. It is a rematch of the 2014 Brazil FIFA World Cup Round of 16, when Belgium eliminated the USA 2-1 after extra time. The biggest positive news before the match is that FIFA has temporarily suspended the red-card ban for USA's top scorer Balogun, who has scored 3 goals and will play in this match. The total market value of the Belgian team is 350 million euros, compared to USA's 550 million euros, but the host nation, with home advantage, is aiming for revenge and a spot in the quarter-finals.

Pochettino has built a team with an extremely flexible midfield. The "midfield box" of Pulisic, McKennie, Tillman, and Adams breaks down defenses through fluid positional changes and short passing combinations, while wing-backs Robinson and Dest provide width. The USA's strengths lie in energy and speed, while their weakness is the potential for impatience among young players when facing experienced opponents with strong rhythm control. Pulisic's group stage performance fell short of expectations, and this knockout match is his stage to prove himself.

For Belgium, De Bruyne's playmaking remains the lifeline, while Lukaku, as a “super substitute,” orchestrated a two-goal comeback to secure a 3-2 win in the Round of 32. However, an aging defense and slow turning speed are glaring weaknesses, as evidenced by conceding 5 goals to Wales in a warm-up match. Belgium still possess tournament experience and star players capable of changing the game in an instant, but whether the team’s physical condition and defensive stability can withstand the impact of the USA’s young, fast players will be a key factor in the match’s outcome.

The two teams have met 6 times previously (since 1930), with Belgium remaining undefeated with 4 wins and 2 draws, scoring an average of 2.5 goals per game. However, this historical data is quite old and has limited relevance; greater attention should be paid to the immediate match readiness shown by both teams in this tournament.

If the match is level after 90 minutes, there will be 30 minutes of extra time, and if it remains tied, a penalty shootout will follow. US goalkeeper Matt Turner saved three penalties in a single match during the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals, which could be a hidden advantage for the USA if the game goes to penalties. However, Belgian goalkeeper Courtois is also renowned for his penalty-saving ability, having saved a crucial penalty in regular time during the 2022 Champions League final. The duel between the two goalkeepers might be the most overlooked yet potentially decisive aspect of this contest.

Match Information

Match Time: July 6th, 2026, 17:00 PM(Seattle Time)

Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle, USA

Referee: Adham Makhadmeh (Jordan)

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