Spain Knock Out Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal From 2026 FIFA World Cup

Spain booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating Portugal 1-0 in a dramatic round of 16 clash decided by a stoppage-time winner.

With extra time appearing inevitable at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Mikel Merino scored in the first minute of added time to settle a fiercely contested game.

Ferran Torres supplied the decisive assist after coming off the bench, handing Luis de la Fuente’s side a memorable win and ending Portugal’s World Cup campaign.

Both teams created chances throughout the game but failed to find the breakthrough for 90 minutes. Spain threatened through Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Alex Baena, while Portugal looked to Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Pedro Neto to unlock the Spanish defence.

Ronaldo came closest for Portugal on several occasions. The veteran forward forced a save in the opening half, had another effort kept out after the break and later saw an attack halted by the offside flag. Bruno Fernandes and Nuno Mendes also went close, but neither could beat the Spanish goalkeeper.

Spain continued to press in the closing stages and their persistence paid off. Merino who was introduced in the 85th minute, timed his run perfectly before converting Ferran Torres’ pass in the 90th minute to silence the Portuguese supporters.

Portugal threw everything forward in search of an equaliser during 6 minutes of stoppage time that extended to 10 minutes. João Neves headed wide with one of their final opportunities, while Bernardo Silva also failed to hit the target as Spain held firm.

Tempers flared late in the match, with Bernardo Silva, Renato Veiga and Ferran Torres all shown yellow cards before referee Anthony Taylor blew for full-time.

The result sends Spain into the World Cup quarter-finals where they will face either France or Morocco.