Mikel Merino Ends Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup Dream as Spain Edge Portugal 1-0

The much-anticipated Round of 16 match between Portugal and Spain was held at Dallas Stadium. Spanish super-sub Mikel Merino scored a last-minute winner to rescue Spain with a 1-0 victory over Portugal, sending them through to the quarter-finals. Spain will face the winner of the USA vs Belgium match in the quarter-finals. The match also marked Cristiano Ronaldo’s final FIFA World Cup appearance for Portugal.

In the pre-match press conference, Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be his last for Portugal. His path towards World Cup glory had one final obstacle in the form of a sensational Spain side – a team packed with playmakers, a solid defence, and La Masia graduate Lamine Yamal. In the opening 20 minutes, Spain enjoyed 59% possession and registered three shots on target, two of which were superbly saved by Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

In the 37th minute, Portugal came close to scoring the opening goal of the match, but attempts from João Félix and Cristiano Ronaldo were both saved by Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón. Nuno Mendes struck a long-range effort in the 42nd minute, only for it to hit the post and rebound back into play. With both teams recording three shots on target each, the game was evenly poised heading into an exciting second half.

The second half began with both teams eager to score the opening goal and take the lead. Nuno Mendes was substituted in the 56th minute due to a possible injury, with Nélson Semedo coming on in his place. In the 75th minute, Rafael Leão created a chance for Bruno Fernandes inside the penalty area, but Portugal failed to convert the opportunity.

With six minutes added in stoppage time, Spain’s super-sub Mikel Merino scored the winner in the 90+1st minute, with Ferran Torres providing the assist to seal Spain’s place in the quarter-finals. Spain are yet to concede a goal in this edition of the FIFA World Cup, while Portugal’s campaign ended in the Round of 16.

Cristiano Ronaldo bowed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with three goals in five matches. His overall FIFA World Cup tally stands at 11 goals in 25 matches across six editions since 2006.