Ronaldo’s Portugal crash out as substitute Merino sends Spain into World Cup quarter-finals

Spain booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after substitute Mikel Merino scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to secure a 1-0 victory over Portugal in Dallas.

The Arsenal midfielder, introduced from the bench in the second half, settled a tightly contested Round of 16 encounter in the 91st minute to send the European champions through to the last eight.

After a largely uneventful second half with few clear chances, Ferran Torres slipped a precise pass into Merino’s path, and the midfielder calmly slotted a low finish beyond Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

The victory sends Spain into the quarter-finals, where they will face either co-hosts the United States or Belgium.

Ronaldo bows out after final World Cup

Portugal’s defeat also marked the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career after the veteran forward confirmed before the match that the 2026 tournament would be his last.

The 41-year-old captained Portugal but was unable to inspire his side against a disciplined Spanish defence as his hopes of winning the World Cup came to an end.

Spain controlled possession for long periods but struggled to break down Portugal’s defence before Merino’s decisive intervention in added time.

The result also mirrored the nations’ previous World Cup knockout meeting in 2010, when Spain eliminated Portugal by the same 1-0 scoreline on their way to lifting the trophy.

Luis de la Fuente’s side will now turn their attention to the quarter-finals, while Portugal leave the tournament after another disappointing attempt to claim their first World Cup title.