Dallas, July 7:
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal bowed out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after suffering a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 clash in Dallas. In a tightly contested encounter, Spain snatched victory in dramatic fashion as substitute Mikel Merino found the net in the 91st minute with a superb left-footed strike, sealing Portugal’s fate and ending their campaign.
The match saw moments of missed opportunities and setbacks for both sides. Spain striker Mikel Oyarzabal squandered a golden chance in the first half, while Portugal faced a major blow when left-back Nuno Mendes was forced off due to injury. Despite Portugal’s efforts to push the game into extra time, Spain’s late breakthrough proved decisive.
An emotional Ronaldo was seen in tears after the final whistle, marking a poignant end to his World Cup journey, having already confirmed this tournament would be his last. With this victory, Spain advance to the quarter-finals.