Spain's Pedro Porro (12), Pau Cubarsi (22) and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo react after Spain defeated Portugal in the World Cup Round of 16 match in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday Photo: UNB/AP
FIFA World Cup 2026

Ronaldo’s World Cup journey ends as Merino's late goal sends Spain to last-8

UNB/AP

Mikel Merino scored seconds into second-half stoppage time, and Spain beat Portugal 1-0 on Monday to end the World Cup career of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Merino had just been knocked down, and a foul was called. While a Portugal player argued, Merino played the ball back in, ran toward the goal and put a shot past goalkeeper Diogo Costa after taking a pass from Ferran Torres.

Spain's Mikel Merino celebrates after scoring against Portugal.

Spain advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time since winning its only World Cup title in 2010 in South Africa. Spain will play either the United States or Belgium on Friday in Los Angeles.

Ronaldo was trying to get Portugal to the quarterfinals in a second consecutive tournament for the first time. Instead, the career on soccer's biggest stage is over for the all-time leader in international goals.

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