Spain head into their toughest test of the World Cup on Monday, needing a win to reach the quarterfinals. Standing in their way is Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo and widely considered one of the tournament favorites.

For Ronaldo, the match could mark the end of his World Cup journey. That is at least what Spain, under Luis de la Fuente, will be hoping to deliver.

De la Fuente sticks with a settled winning formula

The Spain manager appears to have found his strongest starting XI at the tournament and is expected to make few or no changes from the team that beat Austria. That same lineup also featured in the win over Saudi Arabia.

Those two matches have been Spain’s most convincing performances so far, and both came with the same structure and personnel.

Unai Simón remains the undisputed No. 1

Unai Simón will continue in goal and remains the only goalkeeper in the tournament yet to concede a goal.

At right back, Pedro Porro is expected to keep his place after edging ahead of Marcos Llorente in the selection battle. The rest of the defense should feature Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, and Marc Cucurella, all considered key starters in De la Fuente’s system.

Midfield balance built around Rodri and Pedri

In midfield, Rodri will anchor the team in a holding role, with Pedri operating as the primary creator. Fabián Ruiz is expected to start on the bench once again.

Ahead of them, Dani Olmo has emerged as one of Spain’s standout performers in the tournament. De la Fuente appears to trust him more in that advanced role than Fabián, given his recent impact.

A young, in-form attacking line

Spain’s attacking trio is now taking clear shape.

Lamine Yamal will start on the right wing, growing in influence with each match and hoping to deliver his breakout performance on the biggest stage yet.

Álex Baena has earned his place on the left side after strong early tournament displays.

Up front, Mikel Oyarzabal leads the line as Spain’s in-form striker, already with four goals in the competition and firmly established as the team’s first-choice No. 9.

Confirmed Spain XI vs Portugal

Simón; Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Olmo, Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Oyarzabal, Baena.

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