Spain Edge Portugal, Reach FIFA World Cup Quarter-finals

Spain secured a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals with a 1-0 extra-time victory over Portugal at Dallas Stadium, thanks to Mikel Merino's decisive goal. Rodri was named Player of the Match after a commanding midfield performance. Spain will now face the winner of the USA vs Belgium quarter-final in Los Angeles. The match also marked what is expected to be Cristiano Ronaldo's final FIFA World Cup appearance, with the Portuguese legend ending his World Cup career with 11 goals in 27 matches and the historic distinction of being the first men's player to score in six different World Cup editions. After the match, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised the game-changing impact of his substitutes, particularly Merino, for providing the energy and rhythm that secured victory.