Spain beat Portugal to reach the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals
- Author: Vahe Hakobyan
- Sportaran
Spain have reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating Portugal 1-0 in the knockout stage.
The decisive moment came late in the second half. Mikel Merino scored the winning goal, giving Spain a crucial victory in a tense clash against their neighbours.
Portugal pushed until the final whistle and tried to save the game, but Roberto Martinez’s side could not find a way past Unai Simon. Spain’s defence produced one of its best performances of the tournament and kept a clean sheet.
Special attention was also on Cristiano Ronaldo. This may have been the legendary forward’s final match for the Portuguese national team. Ronaldo and his teammates are leaving the World Cup at the knockout stage.
In the quarter-finals, Spain will face the winner of the USA vs Belgium tie.