World Cup 2026: Portugal and Spain deadlocked at half-time (0-0)

Portugal and Spain reached half-time level at 0-0 in their World Cup 2026 round-of-16 clash at Dallas Stadium after a tight, balanced first half.

Henry DONCHE

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On 6 Jul 2026 at 20:53 Updated 6 Jul 2026

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Illustration du match Portugal VS Espagne, le 06/07/2026 20:00, stade Dallas Stadium

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The first half of the World Cup 2026 round-of-16 match between Portugal and Spain, played at Dallas Stadium, ended goalless at 0-0 this Monday at 20:00 GMT+1. Despite several chances, neither side managed to open the scoring, reflecting a balanced duel between two highly anticipated European nations in this knockout stage.

Facing each other with plenty of confidence after strong runs in the group stage, Portugal and Spain produced a first half in which control of midfield proved essential. Both teams, set up in a 4-2-3-1 under their respective coaches Roberto Martinez and Luis de la Fuente, looked to impose their tempo while remaining defensively cautious.

In attack, Spain were slightly more active, registering six shots, three of them on target. Right-back Pedro Porro notably delivered a dangerous free kick in the 23rd minute, deflected by the Portuguese defence. Midfielder Alex Baena also tried his luck, forcing goalkeeper Diogo Costa into action. Spain dominated possession with 54% and repeatedly looked to break through, particularly through Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal.

For Portugal, star Cristiano Ronaldo was isolated in an attack where midfielder Bruno Fernandes tried to inject rhythm, but his efforts often ended with missed or off-target shots, as in the 21st minute when his strike flew over the Spanish goal. Young full-back Nuno Mendes and midfielder Vitinha tried to provide options out wide and in the build-up, while the defensive line repelled the opposition’s attacking threats. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa stood out with three important saves, including one in the 16th minute from a curled effort by Yamal.

The match therefore remains open, with the two sides producing a tight contest in a round-of-16 setting where the slightest mistake could prove fatal. The tension remains high as the second half promises to be decisive in this clash between two major European teams.

Portugal

Finished 0-1 Dallas Stadium

Spain

06/07/2026 20:00 Round of 16

Fil du match

56'Remplacement - N. Mendes (remplace N. Semedo)Portugal, 56e
71'Remplacement - Joao Felix (remplace R. Leao)Portugal, 71e
71'Remplacement - J. Cancelo (remplace D. Dalot)Portugal, 71e
75'Remplacement - A. Baena (remplace F. Torres)Espagne, 75e
83'Remplacement - P. Neto (remplace F. Conceicao)Portugal, 83e
83'Remplacement - Vitinha (remplace B. Silva)Portugal, 83e
85'Remplacement - Pedri (remplace F. Ruiz)Espagne, 85e
85'Remplacement - D. Olmo (remplace M. Merino)Espagne, 85e
89'Carton jaune - B. SilvaPortugal, 89e
90+1'But - M. Merino (passe F. Torres)Espagne, 90+1e
90+4'Carton jaune - R. VeigaPortugal, 90+4e
90+7'Remplacement - M. Oyarzabal (remplace B. Iglesias)Espagne, 90+7e
90+8'Carton jaune - F. TorresEspagne, 90+8e

Les chiffres du match

Tirs cadres : Portugal 2 / Spain 6
Tirs : Portugal 8 / Spain 15
Possession : Portugal 43% / Spain 57%
Corners : Portugal 3 / Spain 7
Fautes : Portugal 9 / Spain 12
Cartons jaunes : Portugal 2 / Spain 0
Passes : Portugal 400 / Spain 529
Precision des passes : Portugal 83% / Spain 88%
xG : Portugal 0.40 / Spain 1.77

Round of 16 schedule

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World Cup 2026: Portugal and Spain deadlocked at half-time (0-0)

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