Merino's Late Strike Sends Spain Into Last Four at Portugal's Expense

Spain advanced to the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Portugal at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, settling one of the tournament's most anticipated quarter-final ties in dramatic fashion.

A single goal separated the two Iberian rivals, with Mikel Merino's late intervention proving to be the decisive moment of a match that had threatened to head into extra time. When it mattered most, Spain found a way through — as they so often have at this tournament.

For Portugal, and for Cristiano Ronaldo, the defeat represents a painful exit. The weight of expectation that surrounded Portugal's campaign made the narrow margin of defeat all the harder to absorb, and questions about the squad's future direction will now begin in earnest.

Spain, meanwhile, march on. Their campaign has gathered momentum through the knockout rounds, and a place in the last four of a World Cup held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico underlines their credentials as genuine contenders for the title. Their semi-final opponents will find a team in confident, organized form.