Martínez: "Spain in the Round of 16? It's a shame, it would be a fantastic final"

The Portugal-Spain clash marks the first major encounter between top-tier national teams at the 2026 World Cup. Roberto Martínez echoed the sentiment that it's a "pity" for two teams of this caliber to meet so early in the competition, emphasizing that his focus remains more on his own players than on the opposition.

"When we prepare for the World Cup, we prepare for the three group stage matches, and then you only focus on the opponents. After that, you enter a different phase, a do-or-die situation, and you prepare your own team more. The opponent is highly respected, because to reach this stage, they must be a competitive team. We are two brother nations, it's a celebration of Iberian football, and it's a shame the game is at this level… it would be a fantastic final, but it's about looking more at your own dressing room," he stated in a press conference, reciprocating the opposing coach's compliments.

"The respect is entirely mutual. Of course, it's a game of great importance because we are two teams with very similar philosophies; we need possession, and we've built two teams around individual talent. It's beautiful, and it's a shame it's not the final, but it is what it is. Luis wants to play all eight games, and so do we, and unfortunately, one of the teams won't achieve their goal," he added, explaining his role on match day.

"Tomorrow is a players' game, where it's truly a privilege to be in this position, and I believe our role, both mine and the coach's, is to provide strength and joy amidst the pressure of winning such an important match," he concluded.