Spain beat Portugal to reach the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, with Mikel Merino scoring the only goal deep in second-half injury time. Running on to a through-ball from Ferran Torres, Merino calmly slotted past goalkeeper Diogo Costa to settle a scrappy last-16 tie and end the international tournament career of Cristiano Ronaldo, who at 41 was playing his final World Cup match.

The article frames the result largely around Ronaldo's decline, arguing his insistence on a central role has hampered a talented Portugal midfield, and contrasts him unfavourably with an ageing but adaptable Lionel Messi. On the pitch, Spain were judged the better of two gifted midfields, with Rodri regaining form and Nuno Mendes impressing before going off injured, though the writer notes this Spain side lacks the cutting edge of their Euro-winning team. Spain will next face the United States or Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday.