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Portugal's Star Defender Injured vs. Spain

6 Jul

Summary

Nuno Mendes sustained an apparent injury in the second half.
He was substituted out of the match for Nélson Semedo.
Portugal did not provide an immediate update on his status.

Portugal's Round of 16 clash against Spain on July 6, 2026, was marred by an injury to key defender Nuno Mendes. Mendes went down in the early stages of the second half, requiring medical attention before being substituted out of the match.

Nélson Semedo replaced the 24-year-old left back, marking Portugal's first substitution. Mendes had been instrumental in limiting Spain's forward Lamine Yamal's impact on the right side. He had previously scored one goal for Portugal during the group stage.

The team's medical staff attended to Mendes on the field. While he was able to walk off under his own power, his departure represents a significant blow to Portugal's defensive capabilities as they progress through the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup.

No immediate update was provided by the Portuguese team regarding the severity of Mendes' injury following his exit from the game. This match is scheduled to be broadcast on Fox from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

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