The knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup continue, and the schedule features one of the most anticipated matchdays of the round of 32. The spotlight is mainly on Spain and Portugal, who could find themselves facing each other in the next round. For that to happen, however, both will have to overcome a far from trivial obstacle.
The first to take the field will be there Spain will face Austria at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood., in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Kick-off is at 21pm Italian timeThe Red Furies arrive at the tournament after finishing first in Group H, confirming their position as one of the most convincing national teams in the competition. The coach is still banking on the block consisting of Unai Simón, Rodri, Pedri, and the talented Lamine Yamal, who is destined to be one of the protagonists of the final phase of the tournament.
Austria, on the other hand, will present their traditional mix of physical intensity and tactical organization. David Alaba will lead the defense, while Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer will be the key players in midfield. Marko Arnautovic's experience remains crucial in attack. The Austrians have already shown that they can cause problems more highly rated opponents and aim to confirm their role as a potential surprise of the tournament.
Portugal vs Croatia tonight
A few hours later it will be the turn of Portugal will play against Croatia at Toronto Stadium.The match will kick off at 1:00 AM Italian time on Thursday night and will pit two national teams brimming with talent and international experience.
The Portuguese rely on the quality of Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Vitinha, but attention remains inevitably focused on Cristiano Ronaldo, still the technical and emotional leader of Roberto Martínez's team. After finishing top of Group K, Portugal aims to go all the way in a competition that has them among the candidates for the semi-finals.
Croatia responds with its usual international experience. Luka Modrić continues to be the beacon of midfield, supported by Mateo Kovačić and Joško Gvardiol, elements that guarantee quality and solidity to a team accustomed to major competitions.
The possible clash in the round of 16
The most intriguing aspect of the program concerns the scoreboard. The winners of Spain-Austria and Portugal-Croatia will face each other in the round of 16A potential clash between Spain and Portugal would be one of the most exciting matches of the entire knockout stage, pitting two of the most technical and spectacular national teams in the tournament against each other.
Completing the day's program will be the match between Switzerland and Algeria, scheduled for 5 a.m. Italian time in Vancouver. But European football's attention remains focused primarily on the Iberian axis: first Spain, then Portugal. Ninety minutes to keep the dream going and get closer to a derby that would have the feel of an early final.
