Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals with a dramatic 1-0 win over Portugal on Tuesday as Mikel Merino struck deep into stoppage time to end Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup campaign.
The match looked set for extra time after both teams struggled to create clear chances for most of the game.
Spain controlled possession for long periods but failed to turn that into goals. Portugal also threatened on the counter but could not break down the Spanish defence.
The decisive moment came in the first minute of stoppage time.
Spain worked the ball patiently around the edge of the Portugal penalty area before substitute Ferran Torres slipped a clever pass into fellow substitute Merino. The midfielder stayed calm and fired a low left foot shot past Diogo Costa to spark wild celebrations.
Portugal pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
Bernardo Silva came close in the closing moments when he rose highest to meet a cross, but his header landed on the roof of the net. Ruben Neves also sent a late header just wide as Spain held on.
Merino’s goal proved enough to send the reigning European champions into the last eight.
The defeat brought an emotional end to Ronaldo’s World Cup career. The 41 year old had said before the match that this would be his final appearance at football’s biggest tournament. He struggled to make an impact and received little support in attack.
Spain will now face either the United States or Belgium in the quarterfinals as they continue their bid for another major international title.
