FIFA WC 2026: Merino's stoppage-time goal sends Spain past Portugal
Synopsis
Mikel Merino's late strike ended Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup story and sent Spain into the quarter-finals. The 41-year-old's final tournament ended without a goal in this match, despite Portugal's best efforts — including a Ronaldo acrobatic effort and a Bernardo Silva header that went agonisingly wide. Spain now face USA or Belgium in Los Angeles.
Key Takeaways
Mikel Merino scored in stoppage time to give Spain a 1-0 win over Portugal at AT&T Stadium, Dallas on 7 July 2026 .
Spain advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals , where they face the winners of USA vs Belgium in Los Angeles .
Cristiano Ronaldo , 41 , confirmed this was his last World Cup — he finishes with 11 goals in 27 matches across six editions , a record.
Diogo Costa made multiple outstanding saves; Portugal's best chance came when Bernardo Silva's late header went just wide.
Nuno Mendes struck the crossbar and was later substituted through injury, disrupting Portugal's shape in extra time.
Mikel Merino struck deep into stoppage time to give Spain a 1-0 victory over Portugal at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on 7 July, sending Luis de la Fuente's side into the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals. The win also brought down the curtain on Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career, with the 41-year-old confirming before kick-off: 'This will be my last World Cup.'
How the Match Unfolded
Spain carried the greater attacking threat from the opening whistle. Mikel Oyarzabal tested Diogo Costa inside three minutes, and Dani Olmo quickly set up a second chance that Oyarzabal steered wide with the goalkeeper rushing out. Portugal were not passive — João Cancelo surged down the right and forced a sharp response, while Ronaldo unleashed a powerful drive that Unai Simón could only parry.
The match's most intense spell saw Diogo Costa produce two outstanding saves, denying both Lamine Yamal and Álex Baena in quick succession. Portugal's best moment arrived when João Félix teed up Ronaldo for an acrobatic attempt that Simón turned away, before a Nuno Mendes shot struck the crossbar after deflecting off Pedro Porro.
Second Half and Extra Time
Portugal grew into the game after the interval, with Pedro Neto causing repeated problems down the right flank. The loss of Nuno Mendes to injury — replaced by Nélson Semedo — disrupted Portugal's rhythm but did not break their defensive resolve. Tactical discipline on both sides kept the scoreline level deep into extra time.
The introduction of Rafael Leão in the final 15 minutes injected urgency into Portugal's attack. A Leão-inspired move put Bruno Fernandes through with one of the clearest chances of the night, only for the ball to end up in the side netting. Yamal forced yet another corner from a free kick before the decisive moment arrived.
Merino's Winner and Ronaldo's Near-Miss
With the match seemingly headed toward a penalty shootout, Merino broke clear of Portugal's defence and slotted past Diogo Costa to make it 1-0. Portugal had one final chance to equalise — Bernardo Silva met a late delivery with his head, but his effort drifted just wide of the post. The final whistle confirmed Spain's passage to the last eight.
Ronaldo's World Cup Legacy
The defeat ended what Ronaldo had confirmed would be his final appearance on football's biggest stage. The Portugal captain finishes his World Cup career having scored in six different editions — a record no other player has matched — and accumulated 11 goals in 27 World Cup matches. His exit marks a generational milestone in the tournament's history.
What's Next for Spain
Spain now travel to Los Angeles for their quarter-final against the winners of the USA vs Belgium last-16 tie. De la Fuente's squad, who have conceded just once in the knockout rounds, will be firm favourites to advance further.
Point of View
But the more significant story is Spain's tactical resilience: De la Fuente has built a side that can grind out results even when Lamine Yamal is contained. Portugal, meanwhile, face a familiar post-Ronaldo question they have deferred for years — who leads this team now? The answer cannot be delayed any further.
NationPress
7 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored the winning goal for Spain against Portugal in the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Mikel Merino scored the only goal of the match, breaking clear of Portugal's defence in stoppage time to slot past Diogo Costa and give Spain a 1-0 victory. The strike sent Spain into the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Is this Cristiano Ronaldo's last World Cup?
Yes. Ronaldo confirmed before the match that this would be his final World Cup. The 41-year-old ends his World Cup career with 11 goals in 27 appearances, having become the first player in history to score in six different editions of the tournament.
Where will Spain play their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final?
Spain will travel to Los Angeles for their quarter-final, where they face the winners of the USA vs Belgium last-16 tie.
What were Portugal's best chances in the match?
Portugal's clearest opportunities came when Ronaldo had an acrobatic shot saved by Unai Simón, Nuno Mendes struck the crossbar, Bruno Fernandes put the ball in the side netting after a Rafael Leão move, and Bernardo Silva headed just wide in the closing stages of extra time.
What was the venue for the Spain vs Portugal FIFA World Cup 2026 last-16 match?
The match was played at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on 7 July 2026, with Spain winning 1-0 through Merino's late goal.
