The goal scored by Mikel Merino in stoppage time eliminated Cristiano Ronaldo’s team from the Mundial.
Portugal — Spain / © Associated Press
The Spanish national team defeated the Portuguese team in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The match, held at the “AT&T Stadium” in Arlington, USA, concluded with a score of 0:1.
Spain could have taken the lead as early as the 8th minute – Dani Olmo set up Mikel Oyarzabal for a one-on-one with the Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa, but he shot wide of the right post.
In the 12th minute, Portugal responded with a dangerous chance – Cristiano Ronaldo fired towards the near post from the right edge of the penalty area, but the Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón parried the ball out for a corner.
In the 16th minute, Spain came very close to scoring, but Diogo Costa made two crucial saves for the Portuguese team, denying Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena from close range.
In the 30th minute, the Spanish had another good opportunity – the Portuguese goalkeeper parried a cross from Pedri on the left flank, and then Olmo, in a diving header, sent the ball wide of the left post on the rebound.
In the 37th minute, Portugal nearly scored – João Félix headed the ball down to Ronaldo at the far post, who attempted a diving shot, but Simón caught the ball in mid-air.
In the 41st minute, Portugal created a golden opportunity – Nuno Mendes struck from the edge of the penalty area, hitting the head of Spanish defender Pedro Porro, which deflected the ball onto the crossbar. Thus, the first half ended goalless.
At the start of the second half, Portugal suffered a significant setback – Nuno Mendes, who had been successfully marking Yamal up to that point, sustained an injury and was substituted in the 56th minute by Nélson Semedo.
In stoppage time of the second half, in the 90+1st minute, Spain secured the victory – Mikel Merino received a pass from Ferran Torres and shot into the near corner from inside the penalty area.
Portugal — Spain / © Associated Press
Portugal — Spain / © Associated Press
Portugal — Spain / © Associated Press
In the quarter-finals, Spain will compete against the winner of the USA vs. Belgium match, which is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, at 03:00 Kyiv time.
-
At the 2026 World Cup, the Spanish topped Group H, drawing with Cape Verde (0-0), defeating Saudi Arabia (4-0), and beating Uruguay (1-0). In the Round of 32, the reigning European champions overwhelmed Austria (3-0).
-
Portugal finished second in Group K, drawing with DR Congo (1-1), defeating Uzbekistan (5-0), and sharing points with Colombia (0-0). In the Round of 32, Ronaldo’s team achieved a comeback victory against Croatia (2-1).
The 2026 World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 in three countries – the USA, Mexico, and Canada. This is the first Mundial to feature 48 national teams, the largest number in the tournament’s history. From 1998 to 2022, the World Cups used a 32-team format.
Earlier, it was reported that England, with a brace from Bellingham, defeated Mexico while playing with ten men and advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
We also reported that Haaland’s brace brought Norway a victory over Brazil and a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
Comments Sort: New Old Popular Send