Spain beat Portugal 1-0 as Merino ends Ronaldo's World Cup career

Spain booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in dramatic fashion after Mikel Merino scored a stoppage-time winner to seal a 1-0 victory over Portugal, bringing Cristiano Ronaldo's legendary World Cup career to an emotional end.

The all-Iberian showdown looked destined for extra time until Merino struck in the closing moments, ensuring Spain reached the last eight for the first time since lifting the World Cup trophy in South Africa in 2010.

The victory sets up a quarter-final clash against either the United States or Belgium.

Merino delivers when Spain needed him most

For much of the evening, both teams cancelled each other out in a tightly contested encounter filled with tactical discipline and limited clear-cut opportunities. With the match entering second-half stoppage time, Merino won a free-kick just outside the penalty area after being brought down.

As Portugal protested the decision, Spain reacted quickly. Merino restarted the move, continued his run into the penalty area and latched onto an intelligent return pass from Ferran Torres before calmly firing beyond goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

The late strike sparked wild celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters, while Portugal were left stunned by the dramatic finish.

Spain's defensive discipline pays off

Spain combined patience in possession with defensive organisation throughout the contest, frustrating Portugal's experienced attacking line. Their backline remained compact, limiting clear opportunities and preventing Portugal from building sustained pressure despite the attacking quality available.

Goalkeeper Unai Simón was rarely troubled as Spain controlled large periods of the game without finding the decisive breakthrough until Merino's late intervention.

The victory continues Spain's impressive defensive record at the tournament and reinforces their status as one of the favourites to challenge for the title.

Ronaldo's World Cup story comes to an end

For Cristiano Ronaldo, the defeat is likely to mark the final chapter of one of football's greatest World Cup careers. The Portuguese captain had hoped to guide his country into consecutive World Cup quarter-finals for the first time, but Spain's late winner ended those ambitions.

Although Ronaldo leaves the tournament disappointed, he remains the all-time leading scorer in men's international football and one of the most influential players in World Cup history.

His legacy extends far beyond Monday's result, having inspired Portugal for nearly two decades on football's biggest stage.

Spain march into the last eight

Spain now move confidently into the quarter-finals, where an intriguing meeting with either the United States or Belgium awaits.

Having already shown resilience and composure in difficult moments throughout the tournament, Luis de la Fuente's side will believe they have the balance and quality required to challenge for a second FIFA World Cup title.

Merino's late heroics may prove to be one of the defining moments of Spain's campaign as their quest for global glory continues.

SportsLigue