Spain secured a dramatic place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after substitute Mikel Merino struck deep into stoppage time to seal a 1-0 victory over Portugal on Monday night, Boldsports report.
The decisive Round of 16 clash at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas looked destined for extra time before Merino produced the breakthrough in the 90+1st minute, ending Portugal’s campaign and bringing Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup appearance to a heartbreaking conclusion.
Merino once again proved his value from the bench. The Arsenal midfielder has built a reputation for producing decisive moments for club and country, and he did it again against Portugal.
Introduced in the closing stages by Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, Merino timed his run perfectly between Portugal’s central defenders before calmly firing a low left-footed finish beyond Diogo Costa after an intelligent pass from fellow substitute Ferran Torres. Rodri also played a key role in the move that unlocked Portugal’s defence.
The Iberian rivals produced a tense tactical battle with very few clear-cut opportunities throughout the contest.
Spain controlled possession for long periods, while Portugal relied on moments from Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto and Cristiano Ronaldo to threaten on the counterattack. Goalkeepers Unai Simón and Diogo Costa were rarely forced into spectacular saves as both defensive units stayed compact.
Portugal’s best chance arrived in stoppage time when Bernardo Silva rose highest to meet a dangerous cross, but his powerful header drifted onto the roof of Spain’s net instead of finding the equaliser.
The Portugal captain had already confirmed before the tournament that this would be his final FIFA World Cup. Although the 41-year-old remained on the pitch until the final whistle, Spain’s late breakthrough denied him one last opportunity to extend his World Cup career.
Portugal manager Roberto Martínez attempted to change the game with second-half substitutions, introducing Rafael Leão, Bernardo Silva and Francisco Conceição, but his side could not find a response after Merino’s winner.
As reigning European champions, Spain continue their pursuit of another major international trophy.
Luis de la Fuente’s substitutions proved decisive, with Torres providing the assist and Merino applying the finish. Their impact highlighted Spain’s squad depth in one of the tournament’s biggest knockout matches.
Spain will now face the winner of the United States vs Belgium Round of 16 tie for a place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals.
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