Portugal the last team to beat Spain, 38 games ago

Spain's record streak, started by your team

Spain are on 38 games unbeaten now, after their World Cup final win. The last team to beat them? Portugal, in the 2024 Nations League final on penalties (1). That was March 2024. No side has taken Spain down since. It stings because your team just fell to them in the Dallas round of 16. But the record books still carry Portugal's name as the last blemish on Spain's run.

The Ronaldo-sized hole coming for the brand

When Cristiano Ronaldo exits the national team, Portugal's federation faces a commercial reckoning. Media attention and revenue tied to the Seleção will drop sharply once the icon is gone, according to a fresh analysis (2). Ronaldo carries the brand in a way no other Portuguese player can replicate. Jorge Jesus has publicly said Ronaldo stays in his plans, but the clock is ticking on both fronts: sporting and financial.

João Pinheiro did Portugal proud at the World Cup

Former referees are praising João Pinheiro's performance at World Cup 2026. Paulo Pereira and Pedro Henriques both said Pinheiro "dignified" Portuguese refereeing on the biggest stage (3). His assistants earned plaudits too. In a tournament where Portugal went home early, at least the officiating crew left a mark.