Spain Merino’s Late Strike Ends Ronaldo’s World Cup Dream as Spain Reach Quarter-finals

Spain booked a last-eight clash with Belgium after substitute Mikel Merino scored in stoppage time to defeat Portugal 1-0, bringing Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career to an end.

Spain secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal after substitute Mikel Merino scored a stoppage-time winner, sending the European champions into the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals. The result also marked the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career.

Merino finished calmly in the first minute of added time after fellow substitute Ferran Torres set him up. As a result, Spain advanced to face Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday.

The match attracted 70,649 fans at the home of the Dallas Cowboys. Although both teams entered the contest unbeaten, they created few clear-cut chances for most of the game.

Before kick-off, the stadium observed a solemn tribute to late Portugal forward Diogo Jota, whose image appeared on the giant screen.

Spain nearly took the lead inside the opening 10 minutes. Dani Olmo found Mikel Oyarzabal, but the forward dragged his shot wide with only goalkeeper Diogo Costa to beat.

Soon after, Ronaldo tested Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón from a tight angle. However, Simón made a comfortable save.

Meanwhile, Spain increased the pressure through Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena. Costa produced two important saves, including an excellent fingertip stop to deny Baena.

Portugal responded before halftime. Nuno Mendes came close, but Spain defender Pedro Porro accidentally diverted his powerful effort onto the crossbar.

In the second half, Portugal suffered a setback when Mendes left the pitch through injury after 56 minutes.

Both managers introduced fresh players as the match remained finely balanced. Nevertheless, Spain finally broke the deadlock in stoppage time. Torres slipped a precise pass into Merino’s path, and the Arsenal midfielder calmly fired past Costa.

Consequently, Spain maintained its unbeaten record and continued its impressive defensive run without conceding a goal in the tournament.

For Portugal, the defeat ended Ronaldo’s final World Cup campaign. The 41-year-old had confirmed before the match that the 2026 tournament would be his last appearance on football’s biggest stage.