FIFA WC 2026: Mikel Merino’s extra-time winner sends Spain past Portugal

Mikel Merino struck deep into extra time as Spain edged Portugal 1-0 at Dallas Stadium to book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals, where they will face Belgium in a clash at Los Angeles Stadium.

The defeat also brought the curtain down on Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable World Cup career. Ahead of the Round of 16 clash, the 41-year-old had confirmed that this would be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage. Across six World Cup editions, Ronaldo scored 11 goals in 27 matches and became the first men’s player to find the net in six different tournaments.

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Spain made the brighter start, with Mikel Oyarzabal forcing an early save from Diogo Costa inside three minutes. Portugal responded quickly as João Cancelo surged down the right before firing over the crossbar.

Spain continued to threaten, with Dani Olmo releasing Oyarzabal, whose effort drifted wide after Costa rushed off his line. At the other end, Ronaldo tested Unai Simón with a powerful strike that the Spanish goalkeeper could only parry.

The first half evolved into an end-to-end contest. Diogo Costa produced two outstanding saves to deny Lamine Yamal and Álex Baena as Spain piled on the pressure. Portugal then enjoyed their best spell, with João Félix setting up Ronaldo for an acrobatic effort that Simón brilliantly kept out before Nuno Mendes rattled the crossbar after a slight deflection from Pedro Porro.

The evenly matched contest continued after the break, although Portugal looked increasingly dangerous through Pedro Neto’s pace on the right wing. Even after Nuno Mendes was forced off injured and replaced by Nélson Semedo, Portugal remained compact and managed to frustrate Spain’s attacking rhythm.

With chances becoming scarce, set pieces gained greater significance. Lamine Yamal forced another important stop from Costa with a well-struck free-kick that earned Spain a corner.

The introduction of Rafael Leão in the closing stages injected fresh energy into Portugal’s attack. One of his surging runs created a promising opportunity for Bruno Fernandes, whose effort found only the side netting.

Just as penalties appeared inevitable, Spain found the breakthrough. Deep into extra time, Merino timed his run perfectly before calmly beating Diogo Costa to send the Spanish fans into celebration.

Portugal pushed desperately for an equaliser in the closing moments, with Bernardo Silva heading narrowly wide, but Spain held firm to seal a dramatic victory and a place in the last eight.