ARLINGTON, Texas — Spain advanced to the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after Mikel Merino scored deep into stoppage time to secure a 1-0 victory over Portugal in a tightly contested Round of 16 match, ending Portugal's campaign and likely bringing Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career to a close.
Merino, introduced from the bench, broke the deadlock in the first minute of second-half stoppage time after connecting with a through ball from fellow substitute Ferran Torres. The midfielder calmly finished past goalkeeper Diogo Costa to settle a match that had appeared destined for extra time.
Spain, the reigning European champions, controlled long spells of possession but struggled to convert their chances against a disciplined Portuguese defense. Mikel Oyarzabal missed an early opportunity after being played through by Dani Olmo, while Alex Baena forced Costa into a fine save during the opening half.
Portugal created several threatening moments of their own. Nuno Mendes struck the crossbar before halftime, and Bruno Fernandes went close in the second half as Roberto Martínez's side sought a breakthrough. However, Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón preserved another clean sheet with several key interventions.
The defeat marked the end of Portugal's tournament after a campaign that included progression from the expanded World Cup's Round of 32. It also came after Ronaldo, 41, had confirmed before the match that the 2026 tournament would be his final FIFA World Cup appearance. The veteran forward, the men's all-time leader in international goals and appearances, was unable to add to his record despite leading Portugal's attack throughout the contest.
Spain's victory extended the team's unbeaten run under coach Luis de la Fuente and moved La Roja into the quarter-finals, where they were scheduled to face Belgium. The result also maintained Spain's defensive form, with the side continuing a tournament in which it had conceded few opportunities to opponents.
Neither team was able to establish sustained attacking momentum for much of the match, with tactical discipline and compact defending limiting clear-cut chances. The decisive moment arrived only after Ferran Torres released Merino behind Portugal's defense, allowing the substitute to fire home the winning goal and send Spain into the last eight.
Spain subsequently continued its World Cup campaign and, after further victories, reached the tournament final, where it is scheduled to face defending champion Argentina.
