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Mikel Merino scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to send Spain national football team into the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought victory over Portugal national football team, bringing Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup journey to a close.
Merino's decisive strike at Dallas Stadium secured Spain a place in the last eight, where they will face Belgium national football team in Los Angeles after Belgium defeated tournament co-hosts United States men's national soccer team later in the day.
Spain dominated much of an entertaining first half but failed to convert their chances. Mikel Oyarzabal missed the clearest opportunity after being played through by Dani Olmo, while Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa produced a fine save to deny Álex Baena.
Portugal also threatened, with Ronaldo leading the attack and Nuno Mendes coming closest to breaking the deadlock when his deflected effort crashed against the crossbar.
The contest became more tactical after the interval, with both sides reluctant to take risks as extra time loomed. However, Spain found the breakthrough in stoppage time when substitute Ferran Torres teed up Merino, who fired a powerful low shot beyond the goalkeeper to seal victory.
The defeat is expected to mark Ronaldo's final appearance at the FIFA World Cup, having stated before the match that the 2026 tournament would be his last.
The 41-year-old leaves the World Cup with an enduring legacy, having scored 11 goals in 27 appearances and becoming the first player to score in six different editions of the tournament.
