Mikel Merino’s late goal sends Spain to quarterfinals and ends Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career
Summary
Mikel Merino scored a late goal to give Spain a 1-0 win over Portugal in the World Cup round of 16 match in Arlington, Texas. This result ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career and sent Spain to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2010.Key Facts
- The match took place on July 6, 2026, in Arlington, Texas.
- Mikel Merino scored in stoppage time shortly after coming on as a substitute.
- Merino received a pass from Ferran Torres and beat Portugal’s goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
- Spain will play the winner of the United States vs. Belgium match in the quarterfinals.
- Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career ended with this game; he is the all-time leader in international goals (146) and appearances (233).
- Ronaldo played in six World Cups and scored three goals in this tournament.
- Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simón has a World Cup record of 609 minutes without allowing a goal.
- Spain is the first team to achieve six consecutive shutouts in World Cup history.
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