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Spain snatched the quarter-final ticket at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after substitute Mikel Merino struck deep into stoppage time to secure a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal in a tense Round of 16 clash at Dallas Stadium on Monday night.
The decisive moment came in the first minute of added time when Ferran Torres slipped a perfectly weighted pass into Merino’s path. The midfielder timed his run between Portugal’s central defenders before calmly firing past goalkeeper Diogo Costa to spark wild celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters.
For much of the contest, both Iberian rivals cancelled each other out in a tactical battle that produced few clear-cut opportunities despite the abundance of attacking talent on the pitch. Spain controlled possession for long spells, but Portugal remained organised defensively, frustrating Luis de la Fuente’s side until the closing moments.
Portugal, led by veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo, struggled to create meaningful chances throughout the encounter.
Roberto Martínez’s men defended resolutely but lacked attacking urgency, with their cautious approach ultimately proving costly as Spain continued to search for a breakthrough.
The late goal forced Portugal to throw everything forward in search of an equaliser. Bruno Fernandes delivered a dangerous free-kick into the penalty area in the closing seconds, but João Neves could not direct his effort on target.
Moments later, Bernardo Silva also came agonisingly close with a header that drifted over the crossbar.
The defeat is particularly significant for Ronaldo, who had confirmed before the match that the 2026 tournament would be his final FIFA World Cup appearance. The 41-year-old exits the global showpiece without adding another World Cup triumph to his remarkable career.
Spain, meanwhile, progress to the quarter-finals, where they will face the winners of the Round of 16 clash between the United States and Belgium, as they continue their quest for another World Cup title.
