Mikel Merino’s stoppage time strike snatched Spain victory over Portugal at Dallas Stadium in the United States of America and a FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final place.
Luis De La Fuente’s team will now head to Los Angeles Stadium, also in the US, to play the winners of USA-Belgium match.
The first half was shot-high but goal-shy.
Mikel Oyarzabal spurned Spain’s best chance, pulling his attempt wide after Dani Olmo sent him clean through, while Diogo Costa did brilliantly to tip Alex Baena’s curler round the post.
Cristiano Ronaldo threatened for Portugal, who came closest when Nuno Mendes’s deflected drive rattled the crossbar.
The sides were more cautious in the second period.
On extra time’s cusp, however, two substitutes combined as Ferran Torres set up Merino to settle the contest with a powerful and precise low finish.
The final whistle seemingly marked the end of Ronaldo’s time on football’s biggest stage.
“This will be my last World Cup,” he reiterated pre-match.
The 41-year-old hit 11 goals in 27 games and set multiple milestones, including becoming the first man to score in six editions.
