Spain eliminate Portugal, a substitute player's goal ends Cristiano Ronaldo's dream.

Spain secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals after eliminating Portugal with a dramatic 1-0 victory in the Round of 16 match held at Dallas Stadium, Texas, United States, early Tuesday WIB. Substitute player Mikel Merino emerged as the difference maker, while also bringing Cristiano Ronaldo's tournament run to an end.

Merino's sole goal scored in injury time sealed La Furia Roja's victory and dashed Portugal's hopes of advancing further. This defeat also marks the end of Ronaldo's 2026 World Cup campaign, after he had successfully led Selecao das Quinas through the group stage all the way to the Round of 16.

Both sides played with high intensity. Spain threatened first through Mikel Oyarzabal in the 4th minute, but his shot was safely held by Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

Six minutes later, Oyarzabal got another chance. Receiving a pass from Dani Olmo, Oyarzabal's finish from inside the penalty box drifted wide of the target.

Portugal responded with an attempt from Cristiano Ronaldo in the 13th minute. The Selecao das Quinas captain fired a powerful shot which was denied by goalkeeper Unai Simon, only resulting in a corner kick.

In the 18th minute, Diogo Costa pulled off a brilliant save to parry away Alex Baena's shot.

Towards the end of the first half, Ronaldo came very close to breaking the deadlock. Meeting a pass from Joao Felix, Ronaldo's flick was pushed away by Unai Simon. Three minutes later, Nuno Mendes' strike hit Pedro Porro's head before ricocheting onto the crossbar.

The 0-0 scoreline remained until the half-time break.

Entering the second half, the match tempo did not change significantly. Spain continued to dominate possession, while Portugal relied on quick transitions and disciplined defending.

Spain's best chance came in the 61st minute when Pedri's shot was blocked by Renato Veiga. At the other end, Bruno Fernandes' attempt from a tight angle went just wide of Spain's goal.

Just as the match appeared set to head into extra time, Spain found their decisive moment.

In the 90+1st minute, Ferran Torres played a through pass. Mikel Merino, who had beaten the offside trap, calmly slotted the ball past Diogo Costa to put Spain 1-0 ahead.

Portugal pushed for an equaliser in the remaining time. Their final chance came from Bernardo Silva's header in the 90+6th minute, but the ball sailed over the crossbar.

Line-ups

Portugal: Diogo Costa (GK); Joao Cancelo (Diego Dalot 71'), Renato Veiga, Ruben Dias, Nuno Mendes (Nelson Semedo 56'); Joao Neves, Vitinha (Bernardo Silva 83'); Pedro Neto (Francisco Conceicao 83'), Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix (Rafael Leao 71'); Cristiano Ronaldo (Captain).

Spain: Unai Simon (GK); Marc Cucurella, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsi, Pedro Porro; Rodri, Pedri (Fabian Ruiz 85'); Alex Baena (Ferran Torres 75'), Dani Olmo (Mikel Merino 85'), Lamine Yamal; Mikel Oyarzabal.