Why was Nuno Mendes sent off in the second half of the 2026 FIFA World Cup match between Portugal and Spain?

Portuguese left-back Nuno Mendes was subbed off during the second half of his side’s match against Spain in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Dallas on Monday.

The obvious reason for taking Mendes out was his injury. The attacking defender retired in the 54th minute and had to be replaced by Nelson Semedo.

Official confirmation on the extent of his injury is awaited.

Mendes was Portugal’s most threatening creator throughout the first half, keeping Spanish right-back Pedro Porro on his toes. His shot in the 41st minute hit the crossbar and it was the closest Portugal came to a goal during the match.

He contributed exactly the same in defence, keeping Lamine Yamal and Porro in check and stopping them in their runs into the final third.

Published on July 7, 2026