Cristiano Ronaldo Knocked Out Of FIFA World Cup 2026 As Spain Beat Portugal 1-0 In Round Of 16 Clash

Late Merino winner puts Spain into last eight and ends Ronaldo’s World Cup dream

Spanish substitute Mikel Merino coolly slotted the winner in the first minute of stoppage time to seal victory in a dour contest between the two Iberian football rivals at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The Spanish are now unbeaten in 35 games and have six consecutive clean sheets.

Ronaldo, who never knocked on Spain’s doorstep in this match – no team has as they have yet to give up a goal in this tournament – stared into the crowd after a few desperation attempts weren’t good enough for Portugal as the final whistle rang out.