Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time winner seals dramatic victory; Portugal crash out amid growing uncertainty over Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career

Spain booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging Portugal 1-0 with a dramatic stoppage-time winner in their Round of 16 clash.

Mikel Merino emerged as the hero, striking in the 91st minute to settle a tense encounter and send Spain into the last eight, while Portugal bowed out of the tournament.

The result also intensified speculation over the future of Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, raising the possibility that the tournament could mark his final World Cup appearance.

Spain controlled large stretches of the match but struggled to turn dominance into goals. Mikel Oyarzabal squandered an early one-on-one chance, while teenage sensation Lamine Yamal repeatedly tested the Portuguese defence.

Portugal came closest in the first half through Nuno Mendes, whose deflected effort beat goalkeeper Unai Simón but crashed against the crossbar.

The second half followed a similar script, with Spain dictating possession and Portugal looking dangerous on the counter. Bruno Fernandes nearly broke the deadlock in the 76th minute, but his effort drifted narrowly wide as the game appeared destined for extra time.

However, Spain found the decisive breakthrough in stoppage time when Merino calmly converted the winning chance, sparking wild celebrations among the Spanish players.

Portugal, despite keeping Ronaldo on the pitch throughout the match, were unable to mount a late response as their World Cup campaign came to an abrupt end.

Spain will now face the winner of the Round of 16 tie between the United States and Belgium in the quarter-finals, while Portugal’s exit could signal the end of an era, with Ronaldo’s remarkable international career—spanning more than two decades—now under fresh scrutiny.