Nuno Mendes stretchered off as Portugal’s World Cup hopes hang in balance

Nuno Mendes was forced off in the 28th minute of Portugal’s Round of 16 World Cup clash with Spain on 17 July 2026 after pulling up lame while tracking Lamine Yamal.

What happened to Nuno Mendes?

During the high-stakes Iberian derby in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, Nuno Mendes exited the pitch with an apparent muscular injury. The Portuguese left-back had tracked a ball sent over the top to Spain’s right flank phenom Lamine Yamal before clutching his thigh and slowing to a stop. Roberto Martínez reacted instantly, replacing Mendes with Nelson Semedo, who was deployed as an improvised left-back to try to contain Yamal.

Why the injury matters for Nuno Mendes and Portugal

Mendes is Portugal’s primary attacking outlet on the left wing and a linchpin of their build-up play. His removal strips Portugal of a key creator and forces a reshuffle in Martínez’s backline just when the team needs its sharpest shape. Semedo, a natural right-back, must now track Yamal while the rest of the defence adjusts to the sudden personnel switch. The medical team will now race to assess the severity of Mendes’s thigh issue ahead of a potential quarterfinal date.

The pre-tournament scare that nearly ruled Mendes out

Mendes nearly missed the World Cup entirely after a late-season scare with Paris Saint-Germain in early May. A severe thigh contusion and persistent right thigh discomfort kept him sidelined, forcing him to miss several PSG fixtures. He returned in time to close out the domestic season and starred in the Champions League final against Arsenal, easing Portugal’s concerns over his fitness. Now, every training session in the coming days will be scrutinised for signs of recovery.

What comes next for Portugal without Mendes

Portugal’s path forward hinges on beating Spain and advancing to the quarterfinals. Without Mendes, their left-sided threat disappears and their tactical blueprint is torn up. Martínez must decide whether to reshuffle again or gamble on Mendes’s recovery timeline. Fans are already demanding a statement performance from the Euro giants after Cristiano Ronaldo declared full confidence before kickoff. The next 60 minutes will decide if Portugal can absorb the loss and still chase glory in the tournament.