Spain Edge Portugal to Reach FIFA World Cup Quarterfinals as Ronaldo Bids Farewell
Spain secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal to advance to the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring a stoppage-time winner in a tightly contested Round of 16 clash.
Merino found the net in the opening minute of added time after fellow substitute Ferran Torres set him up, sending the reigning European champions into the last eight. Spain will now face Belgium in the quarterfinals on Friday.
The result also marked the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s FIFA World Cup journey. The 41-year-old Portugal captain had confirmed before the match that the 2026 tournament would be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Played before more than 70,000 fans at Dallas Stadium, the match was expected to be one of the standout encounters of the knockout round. While chances were limited for long periods, both teams produced moments of quality.
Spain nearly opened the scoring early when Mikel Oyarzabal was played through on goal, but his effort drifted wide. Portugal responded with Ronaldo forcing a save from goalkeeper Unai Simón, while Spain continued to threaten through Lamine Yamal and Álex Baena, only to be denied by goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Portugal came close to taking the lead before halftime when Nuno Mendes’ effort struck the crossbar after a defensive touch from Pedro Porro.
The second half remained evenly balanced, although Portugal suffered a setback when Mendes was forced off with an injury. Spain continued to push forward, and their persistence paid off deep into stoppage time when Ferran Torres slipped a precise pass into Merino, who calmly finished to secure the winning goal.
Ronaldo remained on the field until the final whistle but was unable to inspire a late comeback as Portugal’s World Cup campaign came to an end.
Spain, who lifted their only FIFA World Cup title in 2010, remain unbeaten in the tournament and have yet to concede a goal. They will now take on Belgium for a place in the semifinals, while Portugal exits the competition after a hard-fought performance.
