Spain stun Portugal with 90+1 winner as Merino books quarterfinal spot

The Iberian derby in the World Cup round of 16 lived up to its billing as a tense, tight affair — but it took a moment of magic off the bench to decide it. Mikel Merino came on and smashed home a late winner from Ferran Torres’ assist, knocking Portugal out of the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 victory. The first half was a war of attrition. Portugal came closest when Nuno Mendes rattled the crossbar after a deflection, while Spain failed to capitalize when Mikel Oyarzabal couldn’t beat Diogo Costa. Both sides seemed headed for extra time. Then came Luis de la Fuente’s substitution masterstroke. With the clock ticking into stoppage time, Ferran Torres slipped a perfect pass to Merino, who arrived unmarked and buried the ball past the helpless Costa. The Arsenal midfielder’s strike sent the Spanish bench into delirium and ended Portugal’s campaign. For Portugal, the defeat marks the end of the road — and likely the final World Cup appearance for 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, who leaves without the trophy he has chased his entire career. Spain now advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of the USA vs. Belgium tie.