Spain eliminated Portugal from the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory after extra time, ending what is expected to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s final appearance at the tournament.
The decisive Round of 16 clash saw Spain dominate possession with 55% of the ball and create the better scoring opportunities throughout the match.
Spain nearly took an early lead in the eighth minute when Mikel Oyarzabal broke through Portugal’s defense, but his shot drifted wide of the post.
Goalkeepers at both ends produced crucial saves during the opening stages. Spain’s Unai Simón denied Ronaldo before pushing his effort out for a corner, while Portugal’s Diogo Costa kept out attempts from Lamine Yamal and Álex Baena within the first 15 minutes.
Portugal came close to scoring just before halftime when Nuno Mendes fired a shot that took a deflection before striking the crossbar in the 43rd minute.
In the second half, Portugal introduced fresh legs, bringing on Diogo Dalot and Rafael Leão for João Cancelo and João Félix in the 70th minute. Earlier, Nélson Semedo had replaced the injured Mendes.
Costa continued to keep Portugal in the contest with another outstanding save to deny Yamal in the 72nd minute.
The breakthrough finally came in the opening minute of extra time. Substitute Mikel Merino, who had entered the match alongside Fabián Ruiz in the 85th minute, scored the winning goal in the 91st minute after being set up by Ferran Torres.
Spain will now face the winner of the quarter-final qualifier between Belgium and the United States.
Portugal’s elimination also marks the likely end of Ronaldo’s World Cup career. The 41-year-old made his tournament debut in 2006 and finishes with 27 World Cup appearances, 11 goals, and two assists, closing one of the most celebrated careers in international football.