Mikel Merino's stoppage-time winner separated the two Iberian rivals in a tense contest, sending Spain into the quarterfinals while ending Portugal's campaign in agonising fashion.
Cristiano Ronaldo's FIFA World Cup journey may have come to a heartbreaking end, but the first player to reach him after the final whistle was Spain teenager Lamine Yamal.
As Spain celebrated a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal in the Round of 16, Yamal was seen embracing the visibly emotional Ronaldo, who lingered on the pitch with disappointment etched across his face after what could be the final World Cup match of his legendary career.
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Earlier, Ronaldo confirmed that the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the final World Cup of his illustrious career.
Addressing the media on Monday, the 41-year-old ended speculation surrounding his World Cup future while expressing hope that Portugal's campaign would continue beyond the last 16.
"I want to enjoy it as much as possible, because it will be my last World Cup, yes. But I hope that tomorrow won't be my last game in the World Cup," Ronaldo said, as per OneFootball.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who has started all four of Portugal's matches at the tournament and scored three goals, also dismissed repeated questions about retirement, insisting his focus remains solely on helping the national team.
"I'm always committed, body and soul, to helping the National Team. Whether I'm playing or not, I'll always have an important role," he continued.
"I'll finish [retire] when I want to, not when you want me to. It's a waste of time to keep asking that question. But I don't want to draw attention to that," he added.
Mikel Merino's stoppage-time winner separated the two Iberian rivals in a tense contest, sending Spain into the quarterfinals while ending Portugal's campaign in agonising fashion.
The match appeared destined for extra time until Spain caught Portugal off guard with a quick free-kick deep into stoppage time. Fabián Ruiz found Ferran Torres, whose clever pass released Merino through on goal. The Arsenal midfielder kept his composure to slot past Diogo Costa and seal a famous victory.
Spain had threatened from the outset and should have taken an early lead when Dani Olmo slipped Mikel Oyarzabal through on goal, only for the forward to drag his effort wide. Portugal responded through Ronaldo, who forced Unai Simón into a smart save from a tight angle, while the Spain goalkeeper later denied further Portuguese attacks to preserve his clean sheet.
Portugal's best chance came before the break when Nuno Mendes unleashed a fierce effort that took a deflection off Pedro Porro before crashing against the crossbar. Roberto Martínez's side pushed harder after the interval, introducing fresh legs in search of a breakthrough, but struggled to break down Spain's disciplined defence.
The final whistle sparked contrasting emotions. Spain's players celebrated their place in the quarterfinals, while Ronaldo remained on the pitch, absorbing the disappointment of another World Cup exit. In a touching moment, 19-year-old Yamal walked over to embrace the Portuguese icon, offering words of comfort to one of football's greatest-ever players.
Published: 07 Jul 2026, 03:16 am IST
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