Ronaldo’s World Cup dream over as Spain reach Q’finals with late win
Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup dream is now over after his side failed to advance from the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup holding in North America.
Mikel Merino came off the bench to score the winning goal to lead Spain to a 1-0 win over Portugal at the Dallas Stadium on Monday night.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez handed João Felix a rare start in attack alongside Ronaldo and Pedro Neto.
He kept faith with the trio of João Neves, Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes in the midfield.
Lamine Yamal led the attack for Spain alongside Alex Baena, and Mikel Oyarzabal while Dani Olmo, Pedri and Rodri were tasked with providing services for the forward line.
Spain enjoyed a great start with Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa making a stunning double save to deny Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena in the 15th minute.
Portugal’s Nuno Mendes long range effort hit the cross bar in the 41st minute as the game ended goalless in the first half.
Both sides came out for the second half with renewed vigour but chances were few to come by before Bruno Fernandes hit the side netting.
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Merino replaced Dani Olmo in the 85th minute and scored the winning goal in the 91st minute to send Spain to the quarter-finals.
The Arsenal star finished off a through pass from Ferran Torres with a close range finish to break Portugal’s resistance.
Ronaldo’s Portugal were unable to fight their way back into the game in his last World Cup tournament as he bows out with another heartbreak.
The 2010 Champions are yet to concede a goal in the tournament so far.
Spain will take on the winner between USA and Belgium in the quarter-finals.
Top Stats From Spain vs Portugal
10 – There have now been 10 last minute winners (90th or 120th) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the outright most in a single edition of the competition.
Most shots on record (since 1966) at a single edition of the FIFA World Cup without creating a single chance for a teammate:
Cristiano Ronaldo, 17 (2026)
Alberto Garcia Aspe, 15 (1998)
Jerzy Gorgon, 13 (1974)
Katlego Mphela, 13 (2010)
Denis Cheryshev, 13 (2018)
25 – Ronaldo is the second man to start 25 FIFA World Cup matches, along with Lionel Messi (27).
25 – European players to be involved in at least 25 goals at major competitions (FIFA World Cups/UEFA EUROs) since 1966:
🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo – 34 (25G 9A)
🇫🇷 Kylian Mbappé – 26 (20G 6A)
🏴 Harry Kane – 25 (21G 4A)
🇩🇪 Miroslav Klose – 25 (19G 6A)
Spain are the first side in the tournament’s history to keep a clean sheet in six consecutive World Cup games.
Unai Simon has now gone 609 minutes without conceding at the World Cup.
Extending his record for the longest clean sheet streak by a goalkeeper in the tournament’s history.
Spain are now without defeat in their last 35 matches, equaling their longest ever unbeaten run from 2009.
◎ 26 wins
◎ 9 draws
◉ 0 defeats
