Cristiano Ronaldo’s FIFA World Cup career came to a heartbreaking end as Spain edged Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner to send the European champions into the quarter-finals.
Merino struck deep into added time in Dallas to settle a tense Iberian derby, ending Portugal’s hopes and bringing the curtain down on Ronaldo’s World Cup journey after five tournament appearances.
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The Portugal captain, who made his World Cup debut in 2006, had announced before the match that the 2026 edition would be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Following the final whistle, the 41-year-old was overcome with emotion as he broke down in tears before being consoled by teammates, while supporters inside the stadium applauded the legendary forward.
Spain dominated possession for long periods but were frustrated by Portugal’s disciplined defence until Merino, introduced from the bench, found the decisive breakthrough in injury time to seal a famous victory.
The win sends Luis de la Fuente’s side into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.
Spain will now face either the United States or Belgium in Los Angeles for a place in the semifinals.
For Ronaldo, the defeat ended his long-held dream of winning the FIFA World Cup and closed the chapter on an international career spanning two decades, during which he established himself as one of football’s greatest players.
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