Portugal's forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after losing the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Portugal and Spain at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on July 6, 2026. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP)
Spain booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal, ending Cristiano Ronaldo’s final appearance at the tournament. Substitute Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in first-half stoppage time after being set up by fellow substitute Ferran Torres.
The tightly contested last-16 clash in Dallas looked destined for extra time before Merino’s late strike settled the encounter.
Ronaldo, 41, had confirmed before the match that this would be his last World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable era.
Spain, who entered the game without conceding a goal in the tournament, maintained their impressive defensive record.
Portugal created several chances, with Ronaldo testing goalkeeper Unai Simón and Nuno Mendes striking the crossbar through a deflection.
Spain also came close through Mikel Oyarzabal, Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena, but were repeatedly denied by goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Spain will now face either the United States or Belgium in the quarter-finals on Friday in Los Angeles.
