Spain booked its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after defeating Portugal 1-0 in a dramatic Round of 16 clash. A stoppage-time goal from substitute Mikel Merino sealed the victory and ended what Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed was the final World Cup match of his career.
The match remained goalless for 90 minutes as both sides created chances but failed to find the breakthrough. Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa made several important saves to keep his team in the contest, while Spain dominated possession for long periods. Just when extra time seemed inevitable, Merino scored in the 91st minute, sending Spanish players and fans into celebration.
Ronaldo, playing in his sixth FIFA World Cup, was visibly emotional after the final whistle. The 41-year-old had earlier said the tournament would be his last, making Portugal’s elimination an emotional farewell to one of football’s greatest careers. Throughout his World Cup journey, Ronaldo set several records, including becoming the first men’s player to score in six different World Cup editions.
Spain’s disciplined performance earned them a place in the quarter-finals, where they will face Belgium. Coach Luis de la Fuente praised his team’s patience and highlighted Merino’s decisive impact after coming off the bench.
For Portugal, the defeat marked the end of an era. Although Ronaldo’s dream of lifting the World Cup trophy remained unfulfilled, his achievements over two decades have secured his place among football’s all-time greats. Fans across the world applauded him as he left the World Cup stage for the final time.
