Substitute Mikel Merino scored a 91st-minute winner as Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16 match at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas on Monday, sending Cristiano Ronaldo and his team out of the tournament. The goal, assisted by fellow substitute Ferran Torres, ended Ronaldo's World Cup journey across six editions.
Match Overview: Tight Contest Decided in Stoppage Time
Both sides created numerous chances throughout the match, but it was Spain's substitutes who made the difference in stoppage time. The first half saw end-to-end action, with Spain holding 55% possession and registering eight shots compared to Portugal's five. Spain also had 11 touches in the opposition box against Portugal's four.
In the fourth minute, Mikel Oyarzabal tested Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa with an early shot. Bruno Fernandes set up Ronaldo in the 11th minute, but Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon saved the effort. Joao Felix, starting for Portugal, had a header that fell to Ronaldo, whose acrobatic attempt was also saved by Simon.
Key Moments: Near Misses and Defensive Resilience
Portugal came close in the 39th minute when Nuno Mendes' shot from the edge of the box deflected off Pedro Porro and hit the crossbar. In first-half stoppage time, both Ronaldo and Lamine Yamal had chances but failed to score. The score remained 0-0 at halftime.
After the break, Ronaldo won a free kick that Fernandes fired straight at Simon. In the 59th minute, Felix clipped a ball to the back post, but Ronaldo's volley went wide. Fernandes wasted another opportunity when his volley crashed into the side netting.
Decisive Goal: Merino's Clinical Finish
With the match heading to extra time, Spain won a free kick in the 91st minute. Fabian Ruiz found Ferran Torres, who slipped the ball to Mikel Merino. The Real Sociedad midfielder delivered a clinical finish into the bottom corner, sending the Spanish fans into raptures.
Portugal pushed for an equalizer, with Bernardo Silva missing a massive chance and a late free kick going wide. The final whistle confirmed Spain's victory and Portugal's elimination.
Impact: End of an Era for Ronaldo
The defeat marks the end of Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career. The 41-year-old forward, who made his tournament debut in 2006, exits without adding a World Cup title to his illustrious resume. Spain, the 2010 champions, advance to the quarterfinals where they will face the winner of the Switzerland vs. Morocco match.
According to match statistics, Spain had 55% possession and eight shots on target, while Portugal managed five. The win sets up a potential deep run for La Roja under manager Luis de la Fuente.
