Portugal vs Spain: Mikel Merino's Injury-Time Goal Sends La Roja to World Cup Quarter-Finals

In a thrilling World Cup 2026 match on July 6, 2026, Spain defeated Portugal 1-0, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring the decisive goal in injury time. This victory propelled La Roja into the quarter-finals, marking the end of Cristiano Ronaldo's illustrious World Cup career.

Match Highlights from Portugal vs Spain

The match, held at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, was a tense battle between two football powerhouses. Despite numerous attempts, both teams struggled to find the back of the net until Merino's late strike.

Key moments included:

• Diogo Costa made several crucial saves for Portugal.
• Spain's defense, led by Unai Simón, maintained a clean sheet, extending their record to six consecutive World Cup matches without conceding a goal.
• Portugal hit the crossbar in the first half, showcasing their attacking prowess.

Spain's Historic Clean Sheet Record

With this victory, Spain not only advanced to the quarter-finals but also set a World Cup record for the most consecutive clean sheets. Their streak of 609 minutes without conceding a goal surpasses the previous record held by Italy and Switzerland.

The clean sheet streak began during the round of 16 in the previous World Cup, where Spain had a 0-0 draw against Morocco before exiting in a penalty shootout.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Spain?

Spain will face the winner of the upcoming match between the USA and Belgium, which is set to kick off shortly after this match. The anticipation builds as La Roja seeks to continue their impressive form into the quarter-finals.

As for Portugal, this match marks a significant moment in football history, signaling the end of an era for Cristiano Ronaldo, who leaves the World Cup stage with an impactful legacy.