Spain secured a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Portugal 1-0 in a closely contested Round of 16 match.
The two European rivals battled for most of the game without a breakthrough, with both sides creating chances but failing to find the back of the net. Just as the match looked set to go into extra time, Spain found the winning goal through substitute Mikel Merino, who finished off a well-worked team move.
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Merino’s late strike proved to be the difference, sending Spain into the last eight and ending Portugal’s World Cup campaign.
The defeat could also mark the final World Cup appearance of Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, although the veteran forward has not announced any decision regarding his international future.
Spain will now face Belgium in the quarter-finals after the Belgians defeated co-hosts the United States 4-1 to book their place in the next round.
Other confirmed quarter-final fixtures include England taking on Norway, while France will face Morocco as the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup title continues.
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