Mikel Merino scored a dramatic 90th-minute winner as Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 to book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals and end Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of winning a maiden World Cup title.
Spain came close to taking the lead in an entertaining first half but lacked the finishing touch. Mikel Oyarzabal dragged a golden opportunity wide after being played through by Dani Olmo, while Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa produced a brilliant fingertip save to deny Alex Baena.
Portugal also threatened, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the attack. Nuno Mendes came closest to breaking the deadlock when his deflected strike crashed against the crossbar.
The game became increasingly cautious after the break, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut opportunities.
Merino, who had only been introduced in the 85th minute, made an instant impact by scoring the decisive goal in the 90th minute to send Spain into the quarter-finals.
The victory also saw Spain extend their remarkable defensive record, remaining yet to concede a goal in the tournament. Goalkeeper Unai Simon registered his sixth consecutive World Cup clean sheet, setting a new tournament record with 609 consecutive minutes without conceding.
The defeat brought the curtain down on Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career. Ahead of the tournament, the 41-year-old confirmed it would be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage. He finishes his World Cup career with 11 goals in 27 matches and remains the first men’s player to score in six different World Cup editions.
Luis de la Fuente’s side will now travel to Los Angeles, where they will face Belgium in the quarter-finals.
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Story by Xavier Mensah | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
