Spain defeats Portugal 1-0, ends Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career
In a dramatic 2026 World Cup Round of 16 match played Monday in Dallas, Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 with a stoppage-time goal from substitute Mikel Merino. The Spanish midfielder scored in the 91st minute after receiving a pass from Ferran Torres, securing Spain's place in the quarterfinals. Portugal, which had won its previous match against Croatia, managed limited chances throughout the encounter. The loss marks the end of Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career at age 41, as the Portuguese star had announced this tournament would be his last. Spain will advance to face the winner of the United States versus Belgium match. Portugal's inferior expected goals total of 0.60 compared to Spain's 1.77 reflected the match's dynamics, though both teams had opportunities throughout the 90 minutes.
Key facts
- Final score: Spain 1, Portugal 0 in the Round of 16
- Mikel Merino scored the winning goal in the 91st minute
- Cristiano Ronaldo, age 41, played his final World Cup match
- Match played at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas on July 6, 2026
- Spain had won its previous match 3-0 over Austria
- Portugal's expected goals: 0.60; Spain's expected goals: 1.77
Limits of this briefing
Search results are primarily from mainstream centrist and center-right sports outlets. No explicitly left-leaning or progressive sports commentary outlets appeared in the results, limiting perspective diversity on this match.
Sources
- CNN: Spain scores late to eliminate Portugal and potentially end Cristiano Ronaldo's international career Centre
- ESPN: Portugal 0-1 Spain (Jul 6, 2026) Final Score Centre
- NBC Sports: Portugal vs Spain live updates: Mikel Merino's stoppage-time goal ends Ronaldo's World Cup dream Centre
- FOX Sports: Portugal vs. Spain Live Updates, Score: Latest World Cup News And Goals Right
- Al Jazeera: Portugal 0-1 Spain: FIFA World Cup 2026 last 16 – as it happened Left