Spain secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday night, ending Cristiano Ronaldo's hopes of winning the tournament. Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in the 91st minute, calmly finishing from Ferran Torres' pass to break Portuguese hearts.
Match Overview
The tense encounter at the stadium looked destined for extra time until Merino's late strike. The victory extended Spain's unbeaten run to 35 matches, matching the longest streak in the country's history. Spain also maintained their impeccable defensive record, having not conceded a single goal in the 2026 World Cup so far.
For Cristiano Ronaldo, widely expected to be playing in his final World Cup, the defeat means the only major trophy missing from his illustrious career—the FIFA World Cup—will remain out of reach.
First Half Chances
Spain started brightly and almost took the lead inside the opening 10 minutes. Mikel Oyarzabal shot narrowly wide before Alex Baena forced a fine save from Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Portugal gradually grew into the match and created their best chances before half-time. Nuno Mendes saw a powerful effort deflected onto the post, while Ronaldo was denied by an excellent save from Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón after reacting quickly to a loose ball inside the box.
Second Half and Decisive Moment
Spain continued to control possession in the second half, while Portugal coach Roberto Martínez introduced Rafael Leão, Francisco Conceição, and Bernardo Silva in search of a breakthrough. Just when the match appeared to be heading for extra time, Spain found the winner. Ferran Torres picked out Merino inside the penalty area, and the midfielder guided a low shot into the bottom corner.
Portugal almost responded immediately, but Bernardo Silva headed over from close range in the closing seconds. The final whistle confirmed Spain's place in the quarter-finals, where they will continue their bid for a second FIFA World Cup title.
Historical Context
This is the second time Spain have beaten Portugal 1-0 in a World Cup Round of 16 tie, having done so on their way to the final in the 2010 tournament in South Africa. For Portugal, it was another heartbreaking exit, while Ronaldo walked away knowing his long pursuit of football's biggest prize had come to an end.
