SPAIN BREAKS PORTUGUESE HEARTS
Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Iberian rivals Portugal, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring a heartbreaking stoppage-time winner to end Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup campaign.
In a tense and tactical encounter, both sides struggled to create clear-cut opportunities during a cagey first half. Spain dominated possession, while Portugal looked dangerous on the counter through Rafael Leão and Bruno Fernandes. Cristiano Ronaldo, making what he had already confirmed would be his last World Cup appearance, came close with a second-half free-kick, but Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón was equal to the effort.
Just as extra time looked inevitable, Spain found the decisive breakthrough in the 91st minute. Ferran Torres delivered a perfectly weighted pass into the box and Mikel Merino kept his composure to slot beyond Diogo Costa, sending the Spanish players and supporters into celebration.
Portugal pushed desperately for an equaliser in the closing moments, but Luis de la Fuente’s side held firm to seal a famous victory and set up a quarter-final clash against Belgium.
The defeat marked the end of Ronaldo’s World Cup journey after a record six appearances at the tournament. Afterwards, the 41-year-old confirmed this was his final World Cup but said he would not make any immediate decision on his overall international future, insisting he needed time before deciding whether to continue representing Portugal.
