The Spanish national team secured their place in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals after a narrow 1-0 victory over Portugal in the round of 16 at Dallas Stadium, United States, early Tuesday morning WIB.
Mikel Merino's solitary goal in injury time was the deciding factor in La Roja's victory and ended Cristiano Ronaldo's journey with Portugal in this tournament.
This victory advanced Spain to the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the match between the United States and Belgium. Meanwhile, Portugal's participation in the 2026 World Cup ended.
The match was intense from the opening minutes. Spain immediately threatened in the second minute through Mikel Oyarzabal's long-range shot, which goalkeeper Diogo Costa was able to save.
Portugal responded five minutes later through Joao Cancelo's powerful shot, which went over. Oyarzabal had another golden opportunity after receiving a Dani Olmo pass, but his finish against Costa went wide.
Spain continued to press. Lamine Yamal forced a save from Costa with a curling shot, before Alex Baena was again denied by the Portuguese goalkeeper when he converted the rebound. Dani Olmo's effort moments later was also blocked by Joao Cancelo.
