Portugal and Spain’s 2026 World Cup last-16 tie promises to be a fascinating match-up all over the pitch, but the midfield battle could be one for the ages.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 continues tonight with an enticing Iberian derby between Portugal and Spain.
The rivalry is one of international football’s fiercest, and all eyes will be on the Dallas Stadium as the two lock horns yet again for a spot in the quarter-finals.
There will be plenty of hard-fought battles across the pitch, with Mikel Oyarzabal vs Vítinha’s 102.7.
The two midfield maestros have been levels above the rest in that regard; the third-most successful passes per match at the 2026 World Cup have been from Algeria’s Aïssa Mandi (90.8), quite a way behind them.
Only one of Rodri and Vitinha can have the ball at any given time, and so the battle for possession and control in this game will be one of the more fascinating watches of the whole tournament.
For both players, their outstanding form at this World Cup has carried on from years of equally impressive domestic campaigns.
Since Rodri’s transfer to Manchester City in 2019, no midfielder has taken more touches (18,778) or played more successful passes (15,164) than the Spaniard in the Premier League.
It’s a similar story for Vitinha in Ligue 1, though his numbers are even more extraordinary.
Since 2022, following his transfer from Porto, Vitinha has completed 1,626 more passes and taken 1,308 more touches than any other player in France’s top flight. It has been complete and utter domination from the very beginning.
Alongside Rodri in Spain’s midfield, Barcelona’s
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