Spain booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Portugal 1-0 in a dramatic Round of 16 encounter, bringing an end to Cristiano Ronaldo’s illustrious World Cup career.
The highly anticipated Iberian derby appeared destined for extra time until substitute Mikel Merino struck in first-half stoppage time.
Merino, who had only recently entered the match, latched onto a precise pass from fellow substitute Ferran Torres before calmly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Diogo Costa to hand Spain a hard-fought victory.
Spain controlled much of the contest with superior possession and created the better scoring opportunities, but Portugal’s defence and goalkeeper Diogo Costa kept the game level for most of the encounter.
Portugal’s best opportunity came in the first half when Nuno Mendes rattled the crossbar, while captain Cristiano Ronaldo forced a save with his only shot on target.
The defeat marked the end of Ronaldo’s World Cup journey after the Portuguese legend confirmed before the tournament that the 2026 edition would be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
The 41-year-old left the pitch visibly emotional as Spain celebrated a place among the tournament’s last eight.
Spain’s disciplined defensive display also extended their remarkable run of clean sheets in the competition, underlining their credentials as one of the favourites for the title.
They will now face Belgium in the quarter-finals as they continue their quest for a second FIFA World Cup crown.
