Portugal and Cristiano exit the World Cup at the hands of a late goal from Mikel Merino.

Cristiano Ronaldo will end his illustrious career without a World Cup trophy as Portugal were knocked out by a late goal from Spain’s Mikel Merino.

A late winner to secure a spot in the quarter-finals! 🇪🇸#FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 6, 2026

The game between Portugal and Spain got off to a flying start with Joao Cancelo firing over the bar while Oyarabal missed a glorious chance to take the lead for Spain in the 9th minute.

Portugal then got a favour from Spain after a loose pass in the center of the field. Bruno plays in Ronaldo, who tests Simon from close range. 

The first half was quiet, but the best action of the half came again from Spain, who forced Diogo Costa into a double save. Costa first parried Yamal’s shot into space, Baena then recycled the ball and tested Costa who denied Spain again to keep Portugal in the tie,

Before the close of the first half, Portugal managed to muster one more chance. They play a short corner and work the ball to Nuno Mendes, whose shot was deflected by Porro onto the crossbar. 

The first half ended 0-0, with both teams having a lot to do in the second half.

Portugal began the second half with a big blow as Nuno Mendes, who kept Lamine Yamal quiet for most of the game, suffered an injury after a duel with the Barcelona winger. His injury gave way for the introduction of Nelson Semedo, who had the same task of stopping Yamal.

Portugal struggled to create anything in the second half, with Spain holding most of the possession and creating the best chances. 

Baena was denied twice by Costa, who also stopped a free-kick from Lamine Yamal. 

As the game hit the 90-minute mark, it looked destined for extra time. However, Spain had one more trick up their sleeve.

The Spanish side wins a free kick in the middle of the park and work it quickly. Fabian Ruiz picks out who finds Ferran Torres in space. Torres then plays a through pass to Mikel Merino, who runs freely on goal and slots it past the on-rushing Costa to give Spain the lead.

Last-minute Merino ⏱️#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/SjAzdZSuxv

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 6, 2026

Portugal now playing with urgency whip in a dangerous ball into the box but Bernardo Silva manages to lift it over the bar. Portugal then got another chance to level the game as Bruno Fernandes found João Neves’ head from a cross, but the PSG midfielder could only put it wide.

That was Portugal’s last chance in a very tight game. Portugal will now bow out of the World Cup while Cristiano Ronaldo has seen his push for a World Cup now come to an end, as this should be his last World Cup.

Six World Cups. Six attempts. But it wasn’t meant to be for Cristiano Ronaldo. pic.twitter.com/VExoaWuSRr

— Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub) July 6, 2026