Spain National Team Gears Up for Round of 16 Match
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 is heating up, and Spain is preparing to face Portugal in a highly anticipated knockout fixture. A major positive development has emerged for the Spanish squad: winger Nico Williams has recovered from his injury and is now training with the main group. In addition, Yerry Pino and Victor Muñoz have also returned to full training. This trio—Williams, Pino, and Muñoz—are expected to be included in the matchday squad against the Portuguese side.
Although Nico Williams appeared briefly in three group-stage matches, he did not register any goals or assists. Meanwhile, Álex Baena has been holding down the left flank for Spain, featuring in all three group games so far, netting one goal and providing one assist in the tournament.
Round of 16 Results So Far
The knockout stage kicked off on July 4 with a match between Canada and Morocco, where Morocco claimed a decisive 3-0 victory. Other Round of 16 results include:
- Paraguay 0-1 France
- Brazil 1-2 Norway
- Mexico 2-3 England
Upcoming fixtures in this stage feature USA vs. Belgium, Portugal vs. Spain, Argentina vs. Egypt, and Switzerland vs. Colombia.
The 2026 World Cup final is scheduled for July 19 at 22:00 Kyiv time. In other FIFA news, the organization has decided to lift the suspension of USMNT striker Folarin Balogun, and has also granted permission for Russia's U-15 national team to compete in the upcoming World Cup for 15-year-olds, set to take place this autumn in Azerbaijan.
With key players returning to training, Spain is aiming for a strong playoff run, and the availability of Williams, Pino, and Muñoz could significantly strengthen the squad in the matches ahead. The upcoming showdown with Portugal carries extra weight, as both teams are eager to advance in their quest for the world title. The outcomes of this stage could dramatically shape the rest of the tournament for both sides.
As Spain looks to capitalize on the return of key players, it’s worth noting that their performance in the group stage has set a historic precedent. The team has matched Brazil's remarkable achievement, with 28 nations now confirmed for the knockout phase of the tournament. For more insights on Spain's journey and the implications of this record, check out this article on Spain's historic achievement.