Substitute Mikel Merino struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Spain beat Portugal 1-0 to book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals.
SPAIN EDGE PORTUGAL 1-0 TO REACH WORLD CUP QUARTER-FINALS
Merino, on for Arsenal, netted in the 91st minute after latching onto a perfectly weighted pass from fellow substitute Ferran Torres, breaking the deadlock in a tense Round of 16 clash at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, before a crowd of more than 70,000.
Both sides created chances throughout the contest, with Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo and Spain’s Lamine Yamal both going close, but neither team found a breakthrough during normal time. Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón made key saves to keep Portugal at bay, while Portugal’s Diogo Costa also denied Spain on several occasions.
Merino’s decisive finish preserved Spain’s clean sheet record at this tournament, with La Roja yet to concede a goal. The win also extended Spain’s unbeaten run, sending them into the last eight in pursuit of a second World Cup title.
Spain will now face the winner of the United States-Belgium Round of 16 tie in the quarter-finals in Los Angeles. Portugal’s World Cup campaign ended in the last 16 despite a spirited display from Roberto Martínez’s side, with the defeat marking what Ronaldo has said will be his final World Cup appearance.
France24 reported that Merino’s late strike proved decisive as Spain advanced with a hard-fought victory over their Iberian rivals.
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