Spain Knock Portugal Out of the Tournament in the Final Minute

What Happened

In front of 70,649 spectators at AT&T Stadium, two of the tournament's strongest European sides served up a tight, tactically disciplined battle. For long stretches, everything pointed toward extra time – until Mikel Merino struck in the first minute of stoppage time, sending Spain through to the quarter-finals with a 1:0 win.

For Cristiano Ronaldo and his team, the tournament ends exactly where many observers had expected a close contest beforehand. The Portugal vs Spain result of 0:1 reflects a fight that stayed open right down to the final second.

Key Facts at a Glance

- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Round of 16
- Date: July 6, 2026
- Venue: AT&T Stadium
- Attendance: 70,649
- Final Score: Portugal 0:1 Spain
- Goalscorer: Mikel Merino (90+1')
- Referee: Anthony Taylor

Match Report: A Thriller Down to the Final Minute

The clash of Portugal against Spain at the 2026 World Cup began with a familiar pattern: Spain took early control of midfield and patiently circulated possession, while Portugal relied on quick transitions down the flanks. This basic structure held throughout the match and is clearly reflected in the statistics.

With 55.4 percent possession compared to Portugal's 44.6 percent, the Spanish side largely dictated the tempo. The passing numbers also revealed Spain's dominance in build-up play: 530 passes completed against 427 for Portugal – a difference pointing to a more patient, possession-oriented approach from the Iberians.

Spain were the more dangerous side going forward. With 15 shots on goal, including 6 on target, they created clearly the better chances on paper. Portugal managed 10 attempts, but only 2 seriously tested Unai Simón's goal. Diogo Costa had to produce 5 saves in the Portuguese goal, keeping his side in the contest for a long time – Unai Simón, on the other side, recorded 2 saves.

The corner count (7:3 in Spain's favour) and offside calls (2 for Portugal, 1 for Spain) also painted a picture of a match in which Spain invested more, while Portugal held firm defensively for a long stretch. The game remained largely fair throughout: 13 fouls to 9 and 1 yellow card to 2 (Spain listed first in each case), with no red cards shown to either side.

The decisive moment finally came in stoppage time: in the 90+1st minute, Mikel Merino found the net, delivering a bitter outcome for Portugal after regulation time had ended goalless.

The Line-ups

Portugal: Diogo Costa – Renato Veiga, Rúben Dias, Nuno Mendes, João Cancelo – Bruno Fernandes, João Neves, Vitinha – Cristiano Ronaldo, João Félix, Pedro Neto

Spain: Unai Simón – Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsí, Marc Cucurella, Pedro Porro – Dani Olmo, Pedri, Rodri – Mikel Oyarzabal, Álex Baena, Lamine Yamal

Both teams lined up with their expected starting formations. On the Portuguese side, Cristiano Ronaldo led the line as the central striker, while Spain relied on Lamine Yamal and Álex Baena on the wings to provide pace and depth. Mikel Oyarzabal, already Spain's top scorer of the tournament heading into this game, operated at the centre of the attack but went without a goal on this occasion – the decisive strike instead came from his teammate Merino.

Background: Two Heavyweights Go Head to Head

The clash between Portugal and Spain had been one of the most closely watched round-of-16 fixtures of the tournament heading in. Both sides travelled with ambitions of going far, and both fielded squads of enormous individual quality – Rodri, Pedri and Lamine Yamal for Spain, and Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal.

Given how evenly matched the two sides were on the pitch, it comes as little surprise that the game was only settled by a late goal. Spain were the dominant team for much of the match, but Portugal defended with discipline and conceded few clear-cut chances – until their concentration slipped in the closing stages.

Reactions and Atmosphere in the Stadium

In front of a record crowd of 70,649 at AT&T Stadium, the tension was almost tangible right up to the final minute. When Merino struck in stoppage time, the mood in the stadium flipped instantly – from tense anticipation on one side to jubilant celebration on the other. For Portugal, the final whistle meant an immediate exit from the tournament, while Spain were able to celebrate their leap into the quarter-finals.

What Happens Next

With the win, Spain advance to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup and remain firmly in the title race. For Portugal, the tournament ends in the round of 16 – an outcome that, given the closeness of the statistics and the late concession, will likely feel especially bitter.

Attention for the Spanish side now turns to their next challenge. Whether they can carry the momentum from this narrow but deserved victory into the next round of the tournament remains to be seen.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Match

How did Portugal vs Spain end at the 2026 World Cup?
The match ended 0:1 in Spain's favour. The decisive goal was scored by Mikel Merino in the first minute of stoppage time (90+1').

Where was the round-of-16 match between Portugal and Spain played?
The match was held at AT&T Stadium in front of 70,649 spectators.

Who was the referee for the match?
Anthony Taylor officiated the round-of-16 clash between Portugal and Spain.

Who scored the decisive goal?
Mikel Merino scored the only goal of the match in second-half stoppage time.

What was the possession split in the match?
Spain had 55.4 percent possession, while Portugal had 44.6 percent.

What's next for Spain in the tournament?
With the win, Spain advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.