Two nations share a peninsula, a border older than most of Europe's current map, and a colonial footprint that still shapes half the Western Hemisphere's language. On Thursday, both get a chance to edge toward a meeting that history says should happen more than it does.
Spain opens the day against Austria at 3 p.m. ET at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, followed by Portugal against Croatia at 7 p.m. ET at BMO Field in Toronto. Two separate cities, two separate opponents — but a single connecting thread sits inside FIFA's bracket. Win both, and Spain and Portugal will face off on Monday, July 6, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington for a place in the quarterfinals.
