Substitute Mikel Merino scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Spain edged Portugal 1-0 on Monday to book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals and bring Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career to an emotional end.
The European champions will now face either the United States or Belgium in the quarter-finals on Friday in Los Angeles.
The last-16 clash at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, attracted a crowd of 70,649, but despite the star power on display, clear-cut chances were few and far between for much of the contest.
With extra time appearing inevitable, Spain found the breakthrough in the first minute of stoppage time.
Substitute Ferran Torres slipped a perfectly weighted pass into the path of fellow substitute Mikel Merino, who calmly finished to send Spain into the last eight.
The late goal proved decisive, ending Portugal’s hopes of progressing and ensuring a heartbreaking farewell for Ronaldo at football’s biggest tournament.
The match marked the final World Cup appearance of the 41-year-old Portuguese captain, who had confirmed before the game that the tournament would be his last.
Ronaldo leaves the World Cup stage as one of the greatest players in football history, although he was unable to add the coveted trophy to his remarkable collection of honours.
Both teams entered the match unbeaten, but Spain continued their outstanding defensive run by keeping yet another clean sheet.
Having arrived at the tournament among the favourites, La Roja have yet to concede a goal as they continue their quest for a second FIFA World Cup title, having previously lifted the trophy in 2010.
Portugal, meanwhile, were hoping to improve on their best-ever World Cup finish of third place in 1966, but their campaign ended in the Round of 16.
Much of the build-up focused on the meeting between Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo and Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
The encounter symbolized two generations of football greatness, with the 18-year-old Barcelona star facing one of the game’s all-time icons in what became Ronaldo’s final World Cup appearance.
Before kick-off, players and supporters observed a touching tribute as a black-and-white image of late Portugal forward Diogo Jota was displayed on the stadium’s giant screen.
Spain nearly took the lead inside the opening 10 minutes when Dani Olmo played Mikel Oyarzabal through on goal.
However, with only goalkeeper Diogo Costa to beat, Oyarzabal dragged his effort wide, allowing Portugal to stay level until Merino’s dramatic late intervention.
Spain now move into the quarter-finals full of confidence, while Portugal’s exit also marks the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s illustrious FIFA World Cup journey.
