World Cup 2026: Spain edge Portugal with late Merino goal to reach quarter-finals

Spain 1-0 Portugal

A late goal from substitute Mikel Merino sent Spain into the World Cup quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Portugal on Monday, bringing an end to Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup journey. The match, played at the Dallas Cowboys' air-conditioned stadium in front of 70,649 spectators, was tense and low on clear chances until the dying moments.

Merino, an Arsenal midfielder, scored in the first minute of stoppage time after being set up by fellow substitute Ferran Torres. The composed finish settled a contest that looked destined for extra time and dashed Portugal's hopes of advancing.

For 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, now playing in Saudi Arabia, it was his final World Cup appearance. He had confirmed on the eve of the match that this tournament would be his last on football's biggest stage. Despite playing the full 90 minutes, Ronaldo was unable to make a decisive impact, often left frustrated as passes went astray.

Spain came into the match as one of the tournament favorites, having not conceded a goal in the group stage. They still haven't. The European champions controlled much of the play but struggled to break down a stubborn Portuguese defense.

Early in the first half, Spain missed a golden chance when Mikel Oyarzabal fired wide with only goalkeeper Diogo Costa to beat after a pass from Dani Olmo. Portugal responded with Ronaldo testing Unai Simon from a tight angle. Spain's teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal, 18, was kept quiet by Nuno Mendes until the Portuguese left-back was forced off injured in the 56th minute.

Portugal came close to scoring late in the first half when a Nuno Mendes shot was headed onto his own crossbar by Spain full-back Pedro Porro. The second half was cagey, with both teams struggling to create openings. Portugal coach Roberto Martinez made several substitutions but kept Ronaldo on the pitch.

The winning goal came when Torres slipped a pass to Merino, who calmly slotted home to spark Spanish celebrations. Spain will now face the United States or Belgium in the quarter-finals on Friday in Los Angeles.