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Spain booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring a stoppage-time winner to end Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup campaign.

Portugal vs Spain clash in Dallas had all the ingredients of a classic. Two Iberian rivals, world-class talent on both sides, and football’s greatest player making what proved to be his final appearance on the World Cup stage.

For long periods, the game looked destined for extra time. But Merino’s late strike ensured Spain marched into the last eight while Portugal and Ronaldo headed home heartbroken.

Spain Leave It Late in Dallas

Portugal vs Spain encounter started brightly and Spain nearly took the lead within three minutes.

Dani Olmo produced a superb through ball that sent Mikel Oyarzabal clear, but the Real Sociedad forward dragged his effort wide of the post.

La Roja continued to dominate possession and almost found the breakthrough midway through the first half. Diogo Costa produced two excellent saves in quick succession, first denying Lamine Yamal before reacting brilliantly to stop Alex Baena’s follow-up effort.

Portugal weathered the early storm and gradually settled into the contest.

Their best opportunity of the first half came in the 41st minute. Nuno Mendes surged forward and unleashed a powerful strike that took a slight deflection off Pedro Porro before crashing against the crossbar.

It was a warning to Spain that Roberto Martinez’s side remained a significant threat.

Portugal Grow into the Match

The second half of Portugal vs Spain was far more evenly balanced.

Portugal looked increasingly comfortable and began to control longer spells of possession. Bruno Fernandes came close in the 76th minute when his effort found the side-netting, while Ronaldo tried tirelessly to influence proceedings despite receiving limited service.

Spain, meanwhile, struggled to create meaningful chances after the interval.

Dani Olmo had a promising effort blocked by Ruben Dias, who produced a heroic defensive display throughout the evening.

With both teams appearing to prepare for extra time, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente turned to his bench.

That decision ultimately changed the game.

Portugal vs Spain: Merino Delivers the Decisive Blow

The breakthrough finally arrived in the first minute of stoppage time.

Substitute Ferran Torres found space on the edge of the area and played a perfectly weighted pass into Mikel Merino’s path. The midfielder kept his composure and slotted a low finish beyond Costa to spark wild celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters.

The goal stunned Portugal and left them with no time to respond.

For Spain, it was another example of their remarkable ability to produce decisive moments in the biggest matches.

For Portugal, it was a devastating end to a contest in which they had competed strongly and looked capable of forcing extra time.

End of an Era for Cristiano Ronaldo

The biggest storyline from Portugal vs Spain was undoubtedly the conclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup journey. This was Ronaldo’s final World Cup game.

The 41-year-old had already announced before the tournament that this would be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage.

Although he was unable to score against Spain, Ronaldo leaves the World Cup with a legacy that few players can match.

Across six tournaments, he became one of the competition’s most iconic figures, delivering unforgettable goals and moments for Portugal.

As the final whistle sounded in Dallas, the cameras focused on a visibly emotional Ronaldo, fully aware that his extraordinary World Cup career had reached its conclusion.

While he may continue playing club football, his days on the World Cup stage are officially over.

Spain Continue Their Charge

Spain’s victory means they have now won consecutive World Cup knockout matches for the first time in many years and continue to strengthen their credentials as serious contenders for the trophy.

The European champions once again displayed their patience and tactical discipline, finding a way to win despite not producing their most fluent attacking display.

Players like Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Oyarzabal continue to provide creativity, while Merino’s impact off the bench highlighted the depth available to De la Fuente.

Perhaps most importantly, Spain once again showed they possess the resilience required to succeed in tournament football.

What Comes Next?

After winning Portugal vs Spain, La Roja now move into the quarter-finals, where they will face either the United States or Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday, 10 July.

Portugal, meanwhile, leave the tournament wondering what might have been.

They matched Spain for long periods and created enough opportunities to believe they could progress. Instead, they became the latest victims of Spain’s late-game efficiency.

For Ronaldo, the defeat closes one of football’s greatest international chapters.

For Spain, however, the dream of lifting another World Cup trophy remains very much alive.