Will Nuno Mendes play today vs Spain? Latest on Portugal star’s status before Lamine Yamal rematch at FIFA World Cup 2026 (July 6, 2026) | Football News

Nuno Mendes is not the injury question before Portugal vs Spain. He is the problem Spain must solve.Portugal have no listed injury concerns yet ahead of Monday’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match, and Mendes is widely projected to start at left-back. That puts him directly in Lamine Yamal’s path again, which is exactly where this game could turn.

Will Nuno Mendes play today vs Spain in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16?

Yes, Mendes is expected to play for Portugal against Spain.The Standard reported Portugal have no injured players listed for the match and projected Mendes in Roberto Martínez’s back line. Sports Illustrated also listed Mendes as one of Portugal’s preferred fullback options and had him in the predicted XI.That makes this less about whether Mendes is available and more about what he can do with the assignment.Spain are unbeaten at this World Cup and have not conceded a goal. Their Round of 32 win over Austria looked like a warning shot. Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice, Pedro Porro added another, and Yamal gave Spain the kind of directness that changes the shape of a defense.Mendes is Portugal’s best answer to that. He has already handled this matchup at club and international level. The Indian Express reported that Mendes has faced Yamal four times, three times in Paris Saint-Germain vs Barcelona matches and once in the Nations League final. Across those four games, Yamal had one assist.That does not mean Mendes has solved him forever. It does mean Spain’s most dangerous wide player is not walking into a fresh matchup. There is history here. There is also pride.

Why Nuno Mendes vs Lamine Yamal could decide Portugal vs Spain

Yamal is Spain’s release valve. When Spain’s midfield controls the ball and pushes opponents deep, he is the player who turns possession into panic.Mendes changes that equation because he does not just sit and defend. He runs forward, forces his winger to track him, and turns one-on-one defending into a two-way fight.That is what made the Nations League final so important to this matchup. ESPN reported Mendes was named Player of the Match after Portugal beat Spain on penalties in 2025. He also scored Portugal’s opener and later said: “Today, I cancelled out Lamine.”That line will follow this game whether Portugal like it or not.Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has already addressed the matchup from Yamal’s side. His advice was simple: “Be yourself.” That sounds light, but it is the right message. Yamal cannot spend the game reacting to Mendes. If he does, Portugal win that flank before the scoreboard moves.Mendes gives Portugal a rare luxury. Most teams face Spain wondering how to survive Yamal. Portugal have a defender who has already made him work the other way.

When to watch Portugal vs Spain in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16

Portugal vs Spain will be played Monday, July 6, at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET and 12:30 a.m. IST on Tuesday, July 7.

How to watch Portugal vs Spain live on TV today

Portugal vs Spain will be available on TV across major regions, including the United States, United Kingdom, India, Canada, and Australia.

How to stream Portugal vs Spain live online today

Portugal vs Spain can also be streamed live online through official regional platforms.

Mendes should play. The better question is whether he can do it again.Spain have the stronger tournament form. Portugal have the left-back who has already made Yamal uncomfortable. If Mendes wins that duel, Portugal’s whole night changes. If Yamal finally breaks him, Spain may not need much more.