Spain and Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has admitted that the traditional San Fermin festivities bring him luck after he scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner against Portugal in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. The 91st-minute strike sent Spain into the quarterfinals and ended Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career without a title.
Merino's match-winning goal
The highly anticipated clash between Spain and Portugal featured a subplot of generational battle, with 18-year-old Lamine Yamal facing 41-year-old Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo. Both sides created numerous chances but failed to capitalize, thanks to top-notch defending. The match seemed destined for extra time until Merino's late intervention.
Speaking in a video posted on Spain Football's official Instagram account, Merino expressed his disbelief at the timing of his goal. "Last minute... it is crazy! Crazy, truly I do not know. San Fermin protects me or something, but every time it is the 6th or near the festivities, I have that luck. Very happy," he said.
San Fermin festival connection
The San Fermin festival, which runs from July 6 to 14 in Pamplona, Spain, honors Saint Fermin, the patron saint and first bishop of the city. The festival is famous for its energetic street parties, music, and the controversial "Running of the Bulls" ritual. Merino noted that playing around this period seems to bring him fortune, as he has developed a reputation for scoring crucial goals for his national side.
When asked if he has specialized in scoring important goals, Merino replied, "It seems so, it seems so. It is what happens when you're prepared, you are looking forward to helping, and they give you the opportunity. So, well, I scored it, but it was also thanks to the good work of all my teammates."
What's next for Spain
Spain will now face the winner of the United States versus Belgium last-16 clash in the quarterfinals. The team will be hoping to carry forward the momentum from their dramatic victory as they aim for World Cup glory.
