Spain’s forward #19 Lamine Yamal reacts during the 2026 World Cup Group H football match between Spain and Cape Verde at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on June 15, 2026. (Photo by Roberto SCHMIDT / AFP)
Spain winger Lamine Yamal has spoken ahead of his side’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Portugal, saying it would be an honour to face Cristiano Ronaldo.
Yamal made the remarks after helping Spain secure victory over Austria in the Round of 32 on Thursday, booking their place in the last 16.
With Portugal edging Croatia 2-1 to set up a meeting with the Spaniards, the 18-year-old admitted he is looking forward to the challenge but insisted his priority remains helping Spain progress.
“Well, I don’t really care – Croatia or Portugal,” Yamal said (via DAZN).
“It would be an honour, obviously, to play against Cristiano, but I am focused on winning the game, and I don’t really care who advances between the two of them.”
Spain will now take on Portugal in the Round of 16 on Monday, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake. Portugal booked their spot after defeating Croatia 2-1 in the Round of 32.
