06 Jul, 2026
Spain & Portugal Combined XI: The Iberian Super Team
Two footballing superpowers, one ultimate lineup. Ahead of their epic Round of 16 clash, see who makes our Spain & Portugal Combined XI.
Spain and Portugal have both arrived at the 2026 World Cup with two of the strongest squads in international football. Between them they boast world-class goalkeepers, elite midfielders, arguably the best young player on the planet, and a wealth of defensive talent.
The problem? You can only pick eleven.
There are some positions where the choice is obvious. Others could genuinely be argued for hours. This side isn’t based on reputation or legacy—it’s based on who I’d pick right now heading into the knockout stages.
Goalkeeper – David Raya
This is probably my least controversial selection.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente clearly trusts Unai Simón, while Portugal have one of Europe’s most highly-rated keepers in Diogo Costa. Both are excellent.
However, if you’re simply picking the best goalkeeper available today, David Raya gets the nod.
His distribution remains among the best in world football, he’s become one of Europe’s elite shot-stoppers over the past two seasons, and his command of the penalty area has improved massively. Joan Garcia is undoubtedly a top goalkeeper, but I still think Raya offers the more complete package.
When margins are tiny in knockout football, having a keeper comfortable playing through any press is a huge advantage.
Verdict: David Raya
Left Back – Nuno Mendes
This might actually be the toughest defensive decision.
Marc Cucurella has been exceptional for Spain over the last 18 months and has quietly established himself among the world’s best left-backs.
Then there’s Nuno Mendes.
For me, he just edges it.
He arguably offers more pace and dynamism, and remains one of the most complete full-backs in world football. His ability to recover defensively while still providing width makes him almost impossible to replace.
There honestly isn’t a wrong answer here.
If someone preferred Cucurella, I wouldn’t argue too strongly.
But if I’m building the best possible XI, Nuno Mendes starts.
Verdict: Nuno Mendes
Centre Back – Rúben Dias
This one writes itself.
Rúben Dias remains Portugal’s defensive leader and one of the Premier League’s elite centre-backs.
His leadership, positioning and organisation make every defence better.
Even during Manchester City’s more inconsistent periods, Dias has consistently looked like their best defender, and he’s carried that authority into international football.
He’s the first defender on the teamsheet.
Verdict: Rúben Dias
Centre Back – Pau Cubarsí
The second centre-back slot is much closer.
Aymeric Laporte has been outstanding for Spain.
Portugal have talented options like Renato Veiga, while Gonçalo Inácio also deserves a mention.
But I’m going with Pau Cubarsí. The Barcelona teenager simply looks like a generational defender.
His composure on the ball is ridiculous for someone so young, he’s comfortable defending huge spaces, and his reading of the game is already elite.
Some may argue experience should matter more.
I’d argue Cubarsí is already one of the best centre-backs available, a case backed up by ESPN who ranked him as the 6th best centre back in the world last year.
This feels like one of those selections that will only become more obvious over the next few years.
Verdict: Pau Cubarsí
Right Back – João Cancelo
This is another incredibly close call.
Pedro Porro has enjoyed a great run of recent form Spain and has become one of Europe’s best attacking full-backs.
Yet I’m still leaning towards João Cancelo.
At his best, few full-backs in football can influence matches the way Cancelo can.
Whether drifting into midfield, creating overloads or progressing the ball through pressure, he offers tactical flexibility that very few defenders possess.
You could absolutely convince me to pick Porro.
Today though, Cancelo just sneaks in. With MAtheus Nunes also very unlucky to miss out.
Verdict: João Cancelo
Midfield
This is where everything becomes almost impossible.
You could genuinely build three completely different midfields and still end up with a world-class team.
Spain and Portugal are absolutely stacked.
Pedri.
Rodri.
Vitinha.
Bruno Fernandes.
Fabián Ruiz.
João Neves.
Every one of them has a legitimate case to start.
Leaving players out almost feels unfair.
Pedri
If fully fit, Pedri starts every time.
There simply aren’t many midfielders capable of controlling the rhythm of a football match quite like he can.
His first touch, awareness and ability to receive under pressure are elite.
He’s the player who links everything together.
Whenever Spain dominate possession, Pedri is usually the reason why.
Vitinha
This is probably my most debatable midfield selection.
João Neves has had an outstanding tournament and there is a very strong argument that he deserves this place.
For me though, Vitinha offers just a little bit more.
His ball progression is elite, he constantly breaks opposition lines with both passing and carrying, and he dictates tempo brilliantly.
He’s become one of Europe’s very best midfielders.
Would I understand someone picking João Neves instead?
Absolutely.
It’s one of those 51-49 decisions.
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes has to start.
The numbers speak for themselves every season.
Goals.
Assists.
Chance creation.
Progressive passing.
He’s Portugal’s primary creator and one of the best attacking midfielders in international football.
Some will argue Rodri simply has to be included because of his reputation.
I don’t think he’s been quite at his usual level this season.
That doesn’t suddenly make him a poor player—far from it—but based purely on current form I’d rather have Bruno in this team.
His creativity alongside Pedri and Vitinha gives this side everything.
Right Wing – Lamine Yamal
No debate.
None.
Lamine Yamal walks into this team.
In fact, he probably walks into every international side on the planet right now.
He’s producing numbers and performances that simply shouldn’t be possible at his age while also deciding the biggest matches.
Goals.
Assists.
Chance creation.
One-on-one ability.
Big-game performances.
He’s already among football’s absolute elite.
Arguably the best player in the world today.
Verdict: Lamine Yamal
Striker – Mikel Oyarzabal
This might surprise some people.
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.
If we’re talking about peak careers, this isn’t even remotely close.
But this isn’t a career achievement award.
It’s about who I’d want leading the line right now.
Mikel Oyarzabal has been outstanding for Spain and comes into the knockout stages in sensational goalscoring form.
since the start of 2025 Oyarzabal has scored 16 goals in 16 appearances for Spain, establishing himself as Spain’s most reliable finisher in front of goal. Truly remarkable figures.
His movement inside the box is excellent, he presses relentlessly, links play brilliantly and consistently delivers in international football.
Were this prime Cristiano Ronaldo, he’d start without question.
In 2026?
I’m taking Oyarzabal.
Verdict: Mikel Oyarzabal
Left Wing – Álex Baena
Probably the weakest position across both squads.
Unlike right wing, where Lamine Yamal is the obvious choice, nobody has fully made the left-wing role their own.
The main contenders are:
- Álex Baena
- João Félix
- Rafael Leão
- Pedro Neto
All bring something different.
Leão has arguably the highest ceiling.
Félix remains wonderfully gifted but inconsistent.
Pedro Neto is dynamic but inconsitent.
For me though, Baena deserves it.
He’s enjoyed the strongest World Cup of the group, has consistently created chances and has looked comfortable every time Spain have attacked.
Sometimes tournament form should matter.
Right now, Baena has earned the shirt.
Verdict: Álex Baena
Final Combined XI
GK: David Raya
RB: João Cancelo
CB: Rúben Dias
CB: Pau Cubarsí
LB: Nuno Mendes
CM: Pedri
CM: Vitinha
CM: Bruno Fernandes
RW: Lamine Yamal
ST: Mikel Oyarzabal
LW: Álex Baena
Honorable Mentions
Leaving this many elite players out inevitably feels harsh.
Unai Simón and Diogo Costa would start for almost every other nation.
Marc Cucurella was incredibly close to taking the left-back spot, while Pedro Porro pushed Cancelo all the way on the opposite flank.
Rodri’s omission will undoubtedly be the biggest talking point. A Ballon d’Or-calibre midfielder doesn’t suddenly become a bad player, but on recent form I’d lean towards the creativity and dynamism of Pedri, Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes.
João Neves was perhaps the unluckiest player to miss out entirely. His performances have been exceptional and you could easily swap him for Vitinha without significantly weakening the side.
Then there are the forwards. Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto and João Félix all have the talent to start, but none have consistently nailed down the left-wing position in the same way Lamine Yamal has on the opposite flank. Baena gets the nod largely because of his World Cup performances.
One thing this exercise highlights more than anything is just how much elite talent exists across the Iberian Peninsula. Between Spain’s technical brilliance and Portugal’s individual quality, this combined XI would arguably be favourites against any national side in world football. There are certainly a few selections that will divide opinion, but that’s the beauty of these combined XIs—everyone has a different answer, and there are very few wrong ones.
Check out our World Cup section for more World Cup Team Insights.
