Roberto Martinez, the head coach of the Portugal national team, stated that his team is ready to face Spain in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, emphasizing that the goal since the start of the tournament has been gradual development and competing for the title.

Martinez said: "We want to win every match. When we arrived at the World Cup, our goal was to develop significantly, prepare all players, and finish the group stage at the top. In this tournament, you must continuously improve and gain experiences; you cannot choose your path, but you must be at your best. Our focus is now entirely on the Round of 16 match."

Regarding the possibility of coaching in Spain in the future, he explained: "I have had opportunities, but for any coach, timing is the most important factor, and the time was not right. My career has gone this way, and I am someone who loves to take on challenges; football has given me the chance to work in several countries, and I have enjoyed all of it."

On facing his home country, he said: "My situation is different because I have never worked in Spain, even though it may seem strange. I lived 21 years in Spain, 21 years in England, and 7 years in Belgium. For me, home is where the people close to me are. I thank the Portuguese people for the tremendous support they gave us in Toronto, where about half a million fans attended. It is a great honor to lead this team, and my focus is entirely on what this team represents for the Portuguese people."

He discussed the nature of the match against Spain, saying: "We respect our opponent a lot. Spain is a great team, and both teams love to control the ball and defend with it. I believe the match will be similar to the UEFA Nations League final. We will need a strong character on the pitch, a high tempo, and to utilize all team elements. Physical recovery will be important, and I believe we will need all players, especially those coming off the bench. We respect Spain, but we have prepared for the match according to what suits us. It is unfortunate that this encounter comes in the Round of 16, as it deserved to be a final."

On the possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonçalo Ramos playing together, he said: "We had a good first half against Croatia, but their goal changed the course of the match, so we needed to bring in the strikers together. After equalizing, the circumstances of the match changed, and it was not appropriate to continue with two strikers. The important thing is that all players are ready, and what we showed against Colombia and Croatia helped us a lot; we are now in a better position than we were when we arrived in Houston."

Regarding potential tactical changes, he clarified: "The players' commitment is excellent. Facing Spain is different from playing against Colombia or Croatia, so we must do what suits us. That is why everyone must be prepared. Spain has a playing philosophy similar to ours, and I believe the match will be decided more by mental and personal aspects than tactical ones. We must enjoy this moment."

He also spoke about his relationship with Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente, saying: "The respect between us is mutual. We understand the importance of the match, and both teams rely on the quality of their individual players. It is unfortunate that we do not meet in the final of the tournament, but tomorrow's match is about the players, and our role as coaching staff is to give them confidence and positive energy."

On the Portuguese midfield, he said: "The responsibility does not fall solely on the midfielders but on the entire team. We will also need to defend well in individual duels. I see the players calm, balanced, and focused, and I want to give them more calmness."

In response to Rodri's statement that Spain has the best midfield in the world, he said: "Spain always gives the ball the main role in its style, which has brought it success since 2008. As for us, we focus on ourselves. Portugal, despite having a population of just over ten million, is a model in talent development, and we are very proud of the midfield we have."

He concluded by comparing Cristiano Ronaldo and Lamine Yamal, saying: "They are completely different players, occupying different positions and going through different stages of their careers. Both significantly impact their team's performance, but each does so in their own way."