Merino’s stoppage-time strike sends Spain past Portugal into World Cup quarter-finals

Spain booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Mikel Merino struck deep into stoppage time to secure a dramatic 1-0 victory over Iberian rivals Portugal in a tense last-16 clash at Dallas Stadium on Monday night.

With extra time looming after 90 minutes of tactical chess between two European heavyweights, Merino emerged as Spain’s unlikely hero, finishing clinically in the first minute of added time to settle a fiercely contested encounter and keep La Roja’s unbeaten run alive.

The decisive moment came after Spain executed a quick free-kick, catching Portugal’s defence off guard.

Fabián Ruiz threaded the ball to Ferran Torres, whose perfectly weighted pass released Merino inside the penalty area.

The Arsenal midfielder calmly slotted a left-footed finish beyond goalkeeper Diogo Costa to spark wild celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters.

The victory sends Spain into the last eight, where they will meet either the United States or Belgium, while Portugal’s hopes of lifting a second major international trophy came to a heartbreaking end.

Spain had controlled much of the contest, enjoying greater possession and creating the clearer opportunities, although Portugal remained dangerous on the counterattack throughout.

Luis de la Fuente’s side nearly opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Mikel Oyarzabal was played through on goal, only to drag his effort narrowly wide with just Costa to beat.

The Portuguese goalkeeper was then called into action several times, producing excellent saves to deny Lamine Yamal and Álex Baena as Spain continued to press.

Portugal gradually settled into the game and came closest before halftime when Nuno Mendes unleashed a powerful strike that deflected onto the crossbar after a clever corner routine.

Cristiano Ronaldo also forced Unai Simón into action with a low effort, but clear-cut opportunities remained scarce as both defences stood firm.

The second half became increasingly cagey.

Spain continued probing patiently through Dani Olmo, Pedri and Yamal, while Portugal looked to exploit the pace of Pedro Neto and João Félix on the break.

An injury to outstanding left-back Nuno Mendes midway through the half disrupted Roberto Martínez’s plans, with Nélson Semedo replacing him.

As the match appeared destined for extra time, Spain produced one final moment of quality.

Torres combined brilliantly with Ruiz before setting up Merino, who kept his composure to fire into the bottom-left corner in the 91st minute.

Portugal threw everyone forward in search of an equaliser.

Bernardo Silva headed agonisingly onto the roof of the net before João Neves glanced a diving header inches wide in the dying seconds, but Spain held firm through nine minutes of stoppage time.

The victory extends Spain’s remarkable unbeaten streak and underlines their status as one of the tournament favourites after recording another clean sheet.

For Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo, however, the painful defeat could mark the end of an era, with the veteran captain’s World Cup journey ending in heartbreaking fashion after another fiercely contested chapter in one of football’s greatest rivalries.

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