Full Time: Portugal 0-1 Spain. Substitute Mikel Merino scored in second-half stoppage time at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on July 6, 2026, to send Spain through to the quarterfinals — and to end Cristiano Ronaldo's sixth World Cup, the one he had already confirmed would be his last, without the trophy that eluded him his entire career.

---

The Result

It stayed goalless deep into a tense, cagey Iberian derby that never quite matched the fireworks of the sides' wild 3-3 draw at Russia 2018. Spain controlled long stretches of possession and carried the greater attacking threat throughout, but Portugal's defense — organized around a Ronaldo-led side determined not to let his last dance end early — held until almost the very last kick. Merino, on from the bench, found the breakthrough in stoppage time to make it 1-0 and send Portugal home.

Ronaldo's Reaction

Visibly emotional after the final whistle, Ronaldo wiped away tears as he walked the pitch applauding the traveling Portugal fans. "I'm sad to leave the World Cup this way," he said afterward. "As I said yesterday, I gave it my all, and I leave with a clear conscience."

At 41, Ronaldo finishes his World Cup career with 27 appearances — second only to Lionel Messi's 30 — and remains the only player in history to score at six different editions of the tournament. What he never did, across six World Cups and two decades at the top of the sport, was lift the trophy.

What's Next

Spain advance to the quarterfinals to face Belgium, who eliminated co-hosts USA 4-1 in the other Round of 16 tie played July 6 at Lumen Field. Elsewhere in the last eight: England face Norway after Erling Haaland's late brace knocked out Brazil, and Morocco face France on July 9. WorldCupElite will continue tracking every verified quarterfinal fixture as the bracket is confirmed.

For the human side of this result — what Ronaldo's exit means to the millions of fans who followed him through six World Cups — see our companion feature: Ronaldo's Last World Cup Ends Without a Trophy: How It Broke Fans' Hearts.

---

Sources & Further Reading