Spain's defensive midfielder, Rodri, stated on match day that the Portuguese team represents the 'best generation of all time' in the 2026 World Cup and could pose serious difficulties for the current European champions in the eighth round of the playoffs.
Assessment of Play and Team Comparison
According to the 30-year-old midfielder, the Portuguese national team possesses a 'sensational squad,' especially in the midfield. Nevertheless, Rodri considers Spain to be the stronger team, although he emphasizes that this will need to be proven on the field. He noted: 'We have the best midfield in the world. We know we are the best team, but that means nothing on paper. We must demonstrate it. Especially against Portugal, who is one of the best teams right now,' said the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Role
When asked about the significance of Cristiano Ronaldo in the upcoming match, Rodri believed that the forward, despite his age of 41, is 'always very dangerous in the penalty area,' but at the moment, he is not the player who most influences Portugal's playing style. Rodri added that 'modern midfield has a big impact on how they play, so we must control this aspect of the match. Moreover, we must control all aspects of the game if we want to come out victorious,' emphasized the Manchester City player.
Conclusions After Matches
In the interview zone, midfielder Mikel Merino explained that Spain 'has learned a lot' after losing to the Portuguese national team in the Nations League final in 2025. He pointed to the efficiency of finishing attacks as a factor that could decide the outcome of the match between the two Iberian Peninsula teams. Merino noted: 'When you play against teams of this level, efficiency and the utilization of chances created are crucial. We have learned a lot in the Nations League final. Portugal has great collective and individual qualities. They have players capable of scoring and deciding the game. We must always maintain concentration,' said the English champion for Arsenal.
Attention to Opponent's Attack
Merino warned the Spanish side that they will have to pay close attention to Cristiano Ronaldo, the main scorer for the Portuguese team. The midfielder concluded: 'He seems to be in excellent form. Little can be said about him. He is a legend of the sport and one of the greatest in history. He shows impressive figures and is the leader of Portugal.'
Match Details
The match between Portugal and Spain is scheduled for Monday at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The match is set to start at 2:00 PM local time (8:00 PM Lisbon time), with Englishman Anthony Taylor officiating. The 2026 World Cup, the first with 48 teams, will take place until July 19 in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
