Cristiano Ronaldo Knocked Out Of FIFA World Cup 2026 As Spain Beat Portugal 1-0 In Round Of 16 Clash

Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals with a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Portugal, as Mikel Merino struck deep into stoppage time at Dallas Stadium to end a fiercely contested Iberian clash.

Luis de la Fuente's side will now travel to Los Angeles Stadium, where they will face the winners of the quarter-final between the USA and Belgium.

The opening half was packed with chances but lacked the finishing touch. Mikel Oyarzabal squandered Spain's clearest opportunity after being played through by Dani Olmo, dragging his effort wide of the target. Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa then produced a superb fingertip save to push Alex Baena's curling effort around the post.

Portugal also threatened, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the charge. Nuno Mendes came closest to breaking the deadlock when his deflected strike crashed against the crossbar.

The game became increasingly cautious after the break, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut openings. Just as the contest appeared destined for penalties, Spain found the decisive breakthrough in stoppage time of extra time. Ferran Torres slipped a pass into the path of fellow substitute Mikel Merino, who drilled a composed low finish beyond Costa to send Spain into the last eight.

The defeat also brought the curtain down on Ronaldo's FIFA World Cup career. Ahead of the match, the 41-year-old confirmed that the tournament would be his last appearance on football's biggest stage. He finished his final World Cup campaign with 11 goals in 27 matches overall and extended his legacy by becoming the first men's player to score in six different World Cup editions.