FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 – ROUND OF 16
PORTUGAL……..…..0
SPAIN…………..….…1
Spain reached the World Cup quarter-finals after a dramatic 1-0 win over Portugal, thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Mikel Merino.
Spain created the better chances throughout the match but were unable to find a way past Diogo Costa for most of the game. Portugal also had opportunities, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Nuno Mendes both going close before half-time, but neither side could break the deadlock.
Just as the match looked set for extra time, substitute Mikel Merino made the difference in the first minute of added time. He timed his run perfectly to meet Ferran Torres’ pass and calmly slotted the ball past Costa to seal Spain’s place in the last eight.
Rodri was named Man of the Match after another composed display in midfield, while Spain also set a new World Cup record by keeping six consecutive clean sheets.
Spain will now face Belgium in the quarter-finals, while Portugal’s tournament comes to an end.
