Massive Bet on Spain vs Portugal Pays Off
A football fan known as "Sisyphus" has won an eye-watering ₦772 billion (approximately $563,156) after betting that Portugal would not beat Spain in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The wager was placed on Polymarket, a prediction market platform, where the odds were set at 99.9% in favor of Portugal failing to win, reflecting widespread confidence among bettors.
Spain secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over their Iberian rivals thanks to a stoppage-time goal from substitute Mikel Merino. The goal came deep into added time, just as extra time seemed inevitable, and sent Spain into the quarter-finals while ending Portugal's World Cup campaign.
Spain's Late Winner Ends Ronaldo's Final World Cup
The match was a tense affair with few clear chances, but in the dying moments, Merino timed his run perfectly to meet a pass from Ferran Torres and fired past goalkeeper Diogo Costa. The goal sparked wild celebrations among Spanish players and fans, while Cristiano Ronaldo was seen in tears on the pitch, knowing that his final World Cup appearance had come to an end.
Ronaldo had confirmed before the tournament that this would be his last World Cup, making the defeat particularly poignant. The veteran forward leaves the global stage without adding a World Cup title to his illustrious career.
Portugal Coach Steps Down After Defeat
Portugal's elimination triggered immediate changes behind the scenes. Head coach Roberto Martinez resigned shortly after the match, ending his tenure despite leading a squad considered one of the strongest in the tournament. The defeat marked another disappointing knockout exit for Portugal, who had high hopes of winning the World Cup.
For Spain, the victory is a significant milestone. They reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since winning the tournament in South Africa in 2010. Their next challenge is a clash against Belgium, who have been impressive in the knockout stages.
Betting World Stunned by Huge Payout
The bettor's win quickly went viral on social media, with many football fans amazed by the sheer size of the payout. According to Polymarket Sports, the bet was placed on Portugal not winning the match, and the near-certain odds meant the actual profit was relatively small, but the total valuation of the position captured global attention.
This story adds to the growing trend of high-stakes betting on football matches, with prediction markets becoming increasingly popular among fans looking to profit from their knowledge of the game.
