Ronaldo's World Cup Dream Crashes as Spain Edges Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo's hope of winning the FIFA World Cup ended painfully on Monday night. Spain scored deep into stoppage time to beat Portugal 1-0 and secured a spot in the quarter-finals of the 2026 tournament.

Substitute Mikel Merino netted the only goal in the 91st minute. He finished calmly after receiving a pass from Ferran Torres. This settled a tense Round of 16 match that seemed headed for extra time.

With this win, Spain extended their unbeaten streak to 35 matches, matching the longest in their history. They also kept their strong defensive record, remaining without conceding a goal at the 2026 World Cup.

For Ronaldo, who is likely playing in his last World Cup, this loss means the biggest trophy missing from his amazing career will stay out of reach.

Spain started the match brightly and nearly took the lead within the first 10 minutes. Mikel Oyarzabal shot just wide, and Alex Baena forced a great save from goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

Portugal slowly got into the game and created their best chances before half-time. Nuno Mendes had a powerful shot deflected onto the post. Ronaldo was also denied by a fantastic save from Unai Simón after he reacted quickly to a loose ball in the box.

In the second half, Spain continued to control the ball. Portugal's coach, Roberto Martínez, brought on Rafael Leão, Francisco Conceição, and Bernardo Silva to find a breakthrough.

Just when it seemed the match would go to extra time, Spain found the winning goal. Ferran Torres passed to Merino in the penalty area, and the midfielder placed a low shot into the bottom corner.

Portugal almost equalized right away, but Bernardo Silva headed over from close range in the final moments.

The final whistle confirmed Spain’s place in the quarter-finals. They will continue their quest for a second FIFA World Cup title.

For Portugal, this was another heartbreaking exit. Ronaldo left knowing his long chase for football's biggest prize is over.

This marks the second time Spain has defeated Portugal 1-0 in a World Cup round of 16 match. They also did so on their way to the final in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.