Spain booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal, with Mikel Merino scoring a stoppage-time winner to end Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of lifting football’s biggest prize.
The two Iberian rivals produced a tense and closely contested Round of 16 encounter before Merino emerged as Spain’s hero with a decisive goal deep into added time.
The result sees La Roja advance to the last eight, while Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo bow out of the tournament.
Both sides created opportunities throughout the match, but neither could find the breakthrough during normal time as the defences remained resolute.
Just when extra time appeared inevitable, Merino rose to the occasion, scoring in stoppage time to hand Spain a priceless victory and spark wild celebrations.
The goal proved enough to separate the two European giants and send Spain into the quarter-finals.
Ronaldo’s World Cup Journey Comes to an End
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal entered the knockout stage hoping to challenge for World Cup glory, but their campaign came to a heartbreaking end against their long-time rivals.
Despite battling throughout the contest, Portugal were unable to find a way past the Spanish defence before conceding the decisive late goal.
For Ronaldo, the defeat marks the end of another FIFA World Cup campaign as Spain continue their pursuit of a second world title.
The victory sends Spain into the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the Round of 16 clash between the United States and Belgium.
Having eliminated Portugal in dramatic fashion, Luis de la Fuente’s side will head into the next round full of confidence as they continue their impressive tournament campaign.
Conclusion
Spain once again demonstrated their resilience by leaving it late to overcome Portugal in one of the most anticipated Round of 16 fixtures.
With Mikel Merino delivering the decisive moment, La Roja remain firmly on course for World Cup glory, while Portugal’s dream comes to an end.
