Spain Edges Portugal 1-0, Ends Ronaldo’s World Cup Run
Photo: REUTERS
Mikel Merino delivered a dramatic stoppage-time strike to secure a 1-0 victory for Spain over Portugal at Dallas Stadium, clinching a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals.
Luis De La Fuente’s squad now advances to Los Angeles Stadium to face the winner of the USA-Belgium matchup.
While both sides generated numerous attempts in the first half, the score remained level. Spain nearly broke the deadlock when Dani Olmo sent Mikel Oyarzabal through, but the attacker pulled his shot wide.
Portugal’s goalkeeper, Diogo Costa, later produced a brilliant save to deny Alex Baena’s curling effort. Portugal threatened through Cristiano Ronaldo and nearly scored when a deflected drive from Nuno Mendes rattled the crossbar.
Following a cautious second half, Spain’s substitutes combined for the 91st-minute winner. Ferran Torres provided the assist for Merino, who beat the keeper with a powerful and precise low finish.
The result marks the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s illustrious World Cup career. The 41-year-old, who confirmed pre-match, “This will be my last World Cup,” departs with 11 goals in 27 appearances. He exits as the first man to score in six different editions of the tournament.
