Mikel Merino struck late to send Spain into the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals with a 1-0 victory over Portugal in the round of 16 on Monday in Arlington, Texas — their first appearance at the last eight of a World Cup since they lifted the trophy in 2010.

The decisive moment came when Ferran Torres played a through-ball into the penalty area to release Merino, who slotted the ball past goalkeeper Diogo Costa to break the deadlock. The move itself unfolded from an odd sequence: Merino had been knocked to the ground moments before, drawing a foul, but as a Portugal player disputed the call, Merino restarted play, advanced toward goal, and finished calmly after receiving Torres's pass.

Nervy finish for Spain

Manager Luis de la Fuente's side endured a tense conclusion to the match, with Portugal twice going close to equalising in the final minutes. Spain, however, held firm and sealed their place in the quarterfinals.

They now await the winner of Monday's round-of-16 clash between Belgium and the United States, with the quarterfinal scheduled to take place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

End of the road for Ronaldo?

The defeat may mark the close of Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup journey. Visibly distressed at the final whistle, Ronaldo had been targeting a second consecutive deep run for Portugal, having reached the quarterfinals at the 2024 European Championship. That ambition went unfulfilled, and the all-time leading scorer in international football may have played his last match on the sport's grandest stage.