Spain have progressed to the quarter finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a 1-0 triumph over Portugal in the Round of 16 clash on Monday 6 July, 2026 at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, United States (US).
It was Arsenal striker, Mikel Merino, who netted the goal early in stoppage time, to send the La Roja through and set up a meeting with Belgium in the last-8.
Al Nassr forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, featured for 90 minutes in what could be his 233rd and final Portugal appearance.
Barcelona winger, Ferran Torres, provided for Merino, who found the back of the net in the 1st minute of additional time in Dallas.
Spain alongside France, Morocco, Norway and England are now through to the last eight of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
In a game that was unimpressive, Merino’s goal proved decisive after he came on late from the bench and converted a fine F. Torres’ pass; his calm and definitive strike was the only moment of quality from a showdown that featured a lot of superstars.
Ronaldo was seen looking dejected following the ousting of his country from the tournament, with the knowledge his side failed to properly show up for his final farewell tour on the world stage.
The former Manchester United forward was the only Portugal player to record a shot on target all night, with the La Roja in control for most of the game and wielding a well-structuree defense.
Spain and Belgium will play in the quarter finals on Friday 10 July, 2026 at 20:00 (WAT) at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, United States (US).
Belgium cruised past co-hosts, United States of America (USA), 4-1 in their Round of 16 clash on Tuesday at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, Washington DC, US.
Ronaldo scored in all the six (6) World Cup he appeared in as the loss to Spain was his farewell match; the former Real Madrid forward holds the all-time record for highest number of tournaments scored at.
Photo: Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Portugal in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against Spain on Monday in Dallas, US
