Spain reached the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals in dramatic fashion after Mikel Merino scored a stoppage-time winner to defeat Portugal 1-0 in a thrilling Round of 16 clash on Monday.
The late strike not only secured Spain’s place in the last eight but also marked the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable World Cup career. The Portuguese legend, playing in his sixth and final FIFA World Cup, saw his dream of lifting football’s biggest trophy come to an emotional conclusion.
With the victory, Spain extended their impressive unbeaten run to 35 matches and will now face Belgium in the quarter-finals.
Spain Leave It Late to Beat Portugal
For nearly 90 minutes, the contest between two of Europe’s biggest football nations looked destined for extra time.
Spain controlled possession for long periods but struggled to break down Portugal’s disciplined defence. Portugal, meanwhile, relied on quick counter-attacks and the experience of Cristiano Ronaldo to create opportunities.
Just when extra time appeared inevitable, Spain’s substitutes combined brilliantly to produce the winning moment.
Mikel Merino, who had only entered the match in the 85th minute, became Spain’s hero with a goal in the opening minute of second-half stoppage time.
How the Winning Goal Happened
The decisive moment came after Merino himself won a free-kick.
While Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva protested the referee’s decision, Spain quickly restarted play.
A slick passing move followed before Ferran Torres delivered a perfectly weighted pass through the centre of Portugal’s defence.
Merino timed his run perfectly before calmly finishing past goalkeeper Diogo Costa with his left foot, sending Spanish supporters into wild celebrations.
The Arsenal midfielder then celebrated by running towards the corner flag before recreating his famous emotional celebration with clenched fists and a loud roar.
Luis de la Fuente Praises Spain’s Super Subs
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente reserved special praise for his substitutes after the match.
He admitted he had delayed using his bench because he expected the match to continue into extra time.
Instead, Merino made an immediate impact.
Speaking after the victory, De la Fuente said:
“He’s one of the best players in his position in the world. He gave us a fantastic result with a fantastic goal.”
The Spanish coach also praised the contribution of every substitute throughout the tournament, saying their impact has been vital to Spain’s success.
Mikel Merino Completes Remarkable Comeback
Merino’s winning goal completed an incredible personal journey.
Earlier this year, the Arsenal midfielder underwent surgery on his right foot, putting his participation in the World Cup in serious doubt.
After recovering in time for the tournament, he has now produced one of the biggest moments of Spain’s campaign.
Interestingly, his celebration carried special meaning.
His father, Miguel Merino, used the same celebration during his own playing career in Spain more than three decades ago.
Mikel also performed it after scoring the dramatic winner against Germany in the UEFA European Championship semi-finals two years earlier.
The goal was:
- His first FIFA World Cup goal.
- His 11th international goal for Spain.
- One of the most important goals of his international career.
After the match, Merino reflected on his difficult season.
“What better way to celebrate. You remember all the good and bad moments, and there have been difficult times for me this year.”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup Career Comes to an End
The defeat marked the emotional conclusion of one of football’s greatest international careers.
At 41 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo had already confirmed before the match that this would be his final FIFA World Cup.
Although Portugal’s campaign ended in disappointment, Ronaldo leaves the tournament as one of the greatest players in football history.
Ronaldo’s International Legacy
His extraordinary achievements include:
- 233 international appearances (world record)
- 146 international goals (world record)
- UEFA Euro 2016 winner
- UEFA Nations League champion
- Six FIFA World Cup appearances
Ronaldo admitted after the match that he had no regrets.
He said:
“I’ll wake up tomorrow with a clear conscience. I gave my best.”
The Portuguese captain also added that winning the UEFA European Championship in 2016 meant as much to him personally as lifting the World Cup.
Spain’s Defence Continues to Break Records
While Merino grabbed the headlines, Spain’s defensive organisation once again proved exceptional.
Goalkeeper Unai Simón barely faced any serious danger throughout the evening.
His remarkable statistics continue to grow.
Spain’s Defensive Records
- 35-match unbeaten run
- Six consecutive World Cup clean sheets
- 609 minutes without conceding a World Cup goal
- First World Cup quarter-final appearance since winning the 2010 tournament
Spain have now become one of the tournament favourites thanks to both their attacking quality and defensive strength.
Ronaldo’s Best Chance
Portugal struggled to create clear opportunities throughout the match.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s best moment came in the 37th minute.
João Félix’s header was tipped into the air by Unai Simón before falling kindly for Ronaldo.
The veteran forward attempted an acrobatic back-heel finish, but the effort lacked power, allowing Simón to recover and comfortably collect the ball.
Late in stoppage time, Bernardo Silva also came close with a header that narrowly sailed over the crossbar.
Despite Portugal’s late pressure, Spain held firm to secure victory.
A Historic Rivalry Produces Another Memorable Chapter
Spain and Portugal have enjoyed one of football’s oldest rivalries, having first met more than a century ago.
Their latest World Cup meeting was very different from their unforgettable group-stage clash at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
That famous encounter finished 3-3 after Cristiano Ronaldo scored one of the tournament’s greatest hat-tricks.
This time, however, goals were hard to find as both teams defended superbly.
Ironically, the match came almost exactly one year after Portugal defeated Spain in the UEFA Nations League Final following a penalty shootout after a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Spain to Face Belgium in the Quarter-finals
Spain’s reward for defeating Portugal is a quarter-final showdown with Belgium.
Belgium booked their place after an impressive 4-1 victory over the United States.
The quarter-final promises to be one of the standout matches of the tournament as two European giants battle for a place in the semi-finals.
With confidence growing, Spain will believe they have a genuine opportunity to win their second FIFA World Cup title after their historic triumph in 2010.
Match Summary
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 16
Spain 1-0 Portugal
Goalscorer:
- Mikel Merino (90+1′)
Key Highlights
- Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 with a dramatic stoppage-time winner.
- Mikel Merino scored just minutes after coming off the bench.
- Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career ended after his sixth tournament.
- Spain extended their unbeaten run to 35 matches.
- La Roja recorded a sixth consecutive World Cup clean sheet.
- Spain will face Belgium in the quarter-finals.
Final Thoughts
Spain once again demonstrated why they are among the strongest teams at FIFA World Cup 2026. Their patience, tactical discipline and squad depth proved decisive when it mattered most.
For Portugal, the defeat was heartbreaking, particularly as it marked the final World Cup appearance of Cristiano Ronaldo. Although his World Cup dream ended without the trophy he always desired, his international career remains one of the greatest the sport has ever witnessed.
As Spain march into the quarter-finals full of confidence, Mikel Merino’s unforgettable stoppage-time winner will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the tournament.
Sources
- Associated Press (AP)
- FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Match Reports
- Post-match interviews with Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, Mikel Merino and Cristiano Ronaldo.
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