Spain booked their place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after substitute Mikel Merino struck a dramatic injury-time winner against Po
Spain booked their place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after substitute Mikel Merino struck a dramatic injury-time winner against Portugal in a tense Round of 16 clash at Dallas Stadium.
The goal arrived in the closing stages of an otherwise cagey affair, with Merino latching onto a quick free-kick routine to slide into the box and coolly beat goalkeeper Diogo Costa, sending Luis de la Fuente’s side through and bringing an emotional end to Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career.
The first half offered little in the way of clear-cut chances despite Spain enjoying the better of possession.
Mikel Oyarzabal was played clean through by Dani Olmo but dragged his effort wide when well placed, while at the other end Diogo Costa produced a smart save to keep out a dipping effort from Alex Baena.
Portugal’s best moment of the opening period came when Nuno Mendes saw a deflected shot cannon back off the crossbar.
The second half continued similarly, with both sides cautious and chances at a premium. Spain, however, remained the more threatening side territorially.
Oyarzabal was again presented with a golden opportunity in the closing stages after being released by Olmo, but he appeared to hesitate, believing he was offside, and failed to test Costa.
Portugal’s best chance to force extra time came deep into stoppage time, when Bernardo Silva rose to meet a cross from Sergio Conceição but headed narrowly over the crossbar. Moments later, Spain struck at the other end through Merino to settle the contest.
For Ronaldo, at 41, it was a largely quiet afternoon as he struggled to make an impact against a well-organised Spanish backline, and the final whistle brought emotional scenes as his participation in what is widely expected to be his last major tournament for Portugal came to a close.
Spain, unbeaten going into the knockout stages after a shock opening draw with debutants Cabo Verde, now advance to face Belgium in the quarterfinals in Los Angeles.
Portugal, meanwhile, exit the tournament at the last-16 stage, with head coach Roberto Martínez’s future with the national team also now in question following his decision to step down from the role.
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