“For me the best team, the best midfield is ours”: Rodri fires up Spain before last-16 showdown with Portugal

Rodri has backed Spain's midfield to come out on top when the European champions face Portugal at the 2026 World Cup tonight.

The Iberian neighbours meet in the competition's last-16 this evening, in a hugeWorld Cup clash.

It's a rematch of the 2025 UEFA Nations League final, in which Portugal won on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 draw in Munich.

Spain captain Rodri is confident Spain can exact revenge, despite calling the current Portugal side 'one of the best generations they've ever had'.

Roberto Martinez's midfield has been named by some as the best in the world. Portugal playmaker Bruno Fernandes was named Premier League Player of the Season after breaking the league's assist record in 2025/26, while Joao Neves and Vitinha have won back-to-back Champions League crowns with PSG.

Despite that talent, Rodri has insisted Spain's engine room is more than a match.

"They're always a difficult opponent," Rodri saidto the media on Sunday.

"They know us well, and we know them too. For me, they have one of the best, or the best, generations that they've ever had. We know we have to be at our best to go through.

"For me the best team, the best midfield is ours," he added when asked if Portugal's midfield was the best in the tournament,.

"They have a sensational team, full of stars, players of a top level, and we know they work well collectively too. They have almost everything, and we hope to show that we're better."