By Ayo Kehinde
Spain booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal on Sunday, as a stoppage-time winner from substitute Dani Merino ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup journey in heartbreaking fashion.
The fiercely contested Round of 16 clash at AT&T Stadium appeared destined for extra time until Merino struck deep into added time to settle an absorbing Iberian derby and maintain Spain’s unbeaten run at the tournament.
Luis de la Fuente’s side, who had not conceded a goal in their opening four matches, once again demonstrated their defensive discipline against a Portuguese team that struggled to create sustained attacking pressure.
Portugal’s best opportunity of the opening half came when Nuno Mendes unleashed a deflected effort that struck the crossbar, while Spain enjoyed more possession without finding a way past goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
With clear chances proving difficult to come by, both coaches turned to their substitutes in search of a decisive moment.
Spain’s changes ultimately proved decisive. Ferran Torres threaded a perfectly weighted pass into the path of fellow substitute Merino, who kept his composure to slot the ball beyond Costa in stoppage time and spark wild celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters.
Portugal had one final opportunity to force extra time, but Bernardo Silva failed to convert a late chance, leaving Roberto Martínez’s side unable to respond before the final whistle.
The defeat is likely to mark the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s illustrious FIFA World Cup career. The 41-year-old, making what is expected to be his sixth and final appearance at the tournament, was left devastated as Portugal’s hopes of lifting the one major international trophy that eluded him came to an end.
Spain finished as deserved winners after creating the better opportunities throughout the contest and now move into the quarter-finals with their defensive record still intact.
De la Fuente’s side will face the winners of the Round of 16 meeting between co-hosts the United States and Belgium as they continue their pursuit of a second FIFA World Cup title.
