Spain booked a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging Portugal 1-0 in a tense Round of 16 clash, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner.
The decisive moment came in the opening minute of added time at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, when Ferran Torres set up Merino, who calmly finished to break Portugal’s resistance and secure Spain’s progression.
The victory also marked the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career. The 41-year-old Portugal captain had confirmed before the match that the tournament would be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Spain will now meet either the United States or Belgium in the quarter-finals on Friday in Los Angeles.
Despite the anticipation surrounding the encounter between two European heavyweights, the match offered few clear-cut chances for long periods. Spain, however, maintained their impressive defensive record and are yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
One of Spain’s earliest opportunities fell to Mikel Oyarzabal after being picked out by Dani Olmo, but the forward failed to hit the target with only goalkeeper Diogo Costa to beat.
Ronaldo threatened from a tight angle in the first half, forcing a save from Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón. Spain responded with efforts from Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena, but Costa produced crucial saves to keep Portugal level.
Portugal came close to taking the lead before halftime when Nuno Mendes’ strike deflected off Pedro Porro and crashed against Spain’s crossbar.
The game suffered another setback for Portugal when Mendes was forced off injured midway through the second half. Although coach Roberto Martínez introduced fresh legs late in the game, Ronaldo remained on the pitch as Portugal searched for a breakthrough.
Instead, it was Spain who found the decisive goal. Torres slipped a pass into the path of Merino, who kept his composure to fire home and send the European champions into the last eight.
Before kickoff, the stadium observed a solemn moment as a black-and-white image of the late Portugal forward Diogo Jota was displayed on the giant screen in tribute.
Spain continue their pursuit of a second World Cup title, having previously lifted the trophy in 2010, while Portugal’s campaign ends with another missed opportunity to improve on their best-ever finish of third place in 1966.