Mikel Merino scored a 91st-minute winner as Spain beat neighbours Portugal 1-0 to end Cristiano Ronaldos World Cup career and progress to the quarter-finals. Portugals record goalscorer Ronaldo confirmed on Sunday that the 2026 World Cup will be his last, and the 2010 world champions dashed his hopes of signing off by winning the trophy as they left it late to produce a telling moment of attacking quality in a game in which it was surprisingly lacking.Spain had the better of the first half and saw several opportunities to break the deadlock go begging, but it looked as if extra time would be required to seal their place in the last eight as the second half proved a largely uninspiring event.But two substitutes combined to settle the tie in Spains favour as Ferran Torres reverse pass sent Merino through on goal, with the Arsenal man making no mistake with a cool finish to seal a first knockout win for Spain since their triumph in the 2010 final.The reigning European champions will face either the United States or Belgium in the quarter-finals, with Ronaldo exiting the stage in meek fashion after a defeat that is also expected to spell the end of Roberto Martinezs time as Portugal coach.More to follow Topics 2026 FIFA World Cup Portugal National Football Team Spain National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read LIVE Portugal v Spain: Commentary, updates, goals and stats as Ronaldo looks to shoot down European champions Jon Fisher 6th July, 2026 Portugal vs Spain: Line-ups confirmed for blockbuster World Cup last-16 clash Mitch Fretton 6th July, 2026 World Cup 2026: Where to watch England games on TV, full BBC and ITV knockout stage listings, confirmed channels, schedule, live online streams, kick off times Ben Miller 6th July, 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026: Full England fixtures, results, schedule, confirmed squad, next match, kick off times Ben Miller 6th July, 2026 World Cup 2026: Full fixtures, dates, games, schedule and results from FIFA football finals Ben Miller 6th July, 2026 Cristiano Ronaldo: World Cup 2026 playing schedule, fixtures, kick off times, where to watch, confirmed news updates and full Portugal squad Ben Miller 6th July, 2026
