Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 round-of-16 on Monday, with Mikel Merino striking the decisive goal in 90’+1′ to settle a tense, balanced contest at AT&T Stadium. The late finish sent Spain through and brought Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career to a close.
For long stretches, this was a fixture played on narrow margins. Portugal stayed compact without the ball and looked to break with purpose, while Spain controlled more possession and asked more questions in the final third. By the interval, however, neither side had found the breakthrough, with the half ending 0-0 despite Spain’s territorial edge.
Spain’s passing rhythm became more pronounced after the restart, and their pressure showed in the numbers as they finished with 55.5 percent possession, 15 shots and 6 efforts on target. Portugal still carried a threat in transition, but their attacking moments were limited, ending the night with 10 shots and only 2 on target.
Just as extra time appeared to be looming, Spain found the moment that decided the tie. Mikel Merino, on as a substitute, delivered in 90’+1′ with the only goal of the match, turning a cagey encounter into Spanish celebration and Portuguese heartbreak. Portugal’s frustration was visible late on, with Bernardo Silva booked in the 89th minute and Renato Veiga following in 90’+4′, while Ferran Torres saw yellow for Spain in 90’+8′.
Key performers
Merino will take the headline after scoring the winner in 90’+1′, but Spain’s collective control was just as important. Their midfield dictated the tempo, their back line stayed composed, and they consistently forced Portugal deeper as the second half wore on. For Portugal, the defensive structure held up for almost the entire night, but the lack of cutting edge in front of goal ultimately proved costly.
NerdSports Stat: Spain attempted 50 percent more shots than Portugal (15 to 10) and produced three times as many efforts on target (6 to 2), underlining how fine the margins were before Merino’s 90’+1′ winner.
The result sends Spain into the World Cup quarterfinals after they claimed all three points in knockout terms with a disciplined and patient display. Portugal, meanwhile, are out at the round-of-16 stage, and the defeat marks the end of Ronaldo’s World Cup journey. Spain now turn their focus to the quarterfinals, while Portugal head home after a fixture decided by the latest of moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mikel Merino (90’+1′) scored the only goal for Spain.
Portugal 0 – 1 Spain.
This was a FIFA World Cup 2026 round-of-16 fixture, so Spain advance to the quarterfinals and Portugal are eliminated.
Mikel Merino was the standout performer with the winning goal in 90’+1′.
