Spain beats Portugal 1-0: Merino's late goal sends La Roja to quarterfinals, ends Ronaldo's World Cup

Match overview

Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 in the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Dallas, with Mikel Merino scoring in the first minute of stoppage time. The victory sends Spain to the quarterfinals for the first time since their 2010 title run, where they will face either the United States or Belgium.

First-half chances

Both sides created early opportunities. Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal missed a clear chance in the 8th minute after a through ball from Dani Olmo. Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa made a double save in the 17th minute, denying Lamine Yamal and then Álex Baena. At the other end, Unai Simón kept out efforts from João Félix and Cristiano Ronaldo in the 38th minute. The closest call came in the 41st minute when Nuno Mendes' shot deflected off Pedro Porro and struck the crossbar.

Second-half stalemate and late drama

The tempo dropped after the break, with few clear chances. Spain pressed more in the final 15 minutes, and coach Luis de la Fuente's substitutions proved decisive. In the 85th minute, he sent on Ferran Torres and Mikel Merino. Six minutes later, Torres threaded a pass through the Portuguese defense, and Merino finished calmly past Costa to make it 1-0. Portugal had a late header from Bernardo Silva go just wide in the 96th minute.

Ronaldo's farewell

The match marked the end of Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career. The 41-year-old forward, who has 233 caps and 146 goals for Portugal, was unable to add to his tally. Portugal coach Roberto Martínez's side exits in the round of 16.

What's next

Spain will play the winner of the USA-Belgium match in the quarterfinals. The date and venue are yet to be confirmed.