Merino scores late to send Spain into World Cup quarter-finals

Spain booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after substitute Mikel Merino struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner to seal a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Portugal in Dallas. 

The late breakthrough ended a tense last-16 contest that looked destined for extra time and also brought Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of winning the World Cup to an end.

Both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances for much of the encounter, with Spain enjoying more possession while Portugal remained disciplined defensively. 

Despite controlling large spells of the game, the Spaniards found it difficult to break down their Iberian rivals, who threatened only occasionally on the counterattack.

The decisive moment arrived in the first minute of added time when Ferran Torres played a clever reverse pass into the path of Merino. 

The midfielder timed his run perfectly between Portugal’s central defenders before calmly firing past goalkeeper Diogo Costa, sparking wild celebrations among the Spain players and supporters inside Dallas Stadium.

Portugal desperately searched for an equaliser during the closing minutes, coming closest when Bernardo Silva headed narrowly over the crossbar after a dangerous cross into the penalty area. 

Bruno Fernandes also delivered a late free-kick into the box, but João Neves could not direct his effort on target as Spain held firm under intense late pressure.

The victory sends Spain into the quarter-finals, where they will face either the United States or Belgium. 

Meanwhile, the Football Association is considering whether to appeal the red card shown to England defender Jarell Quansah during the Three Lions’ 3-2 FIFA World Cup last-16 victory over Mexico. 

Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute following a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo and could now face a two-match suspension, potentially ruling him out of England’s quarter-final against Norway. 

The possibility of an appeal comes after FIFA controversially suspended the automatic ban handed to United States striker Folarin Balogun, who was cleared to play despite his dismissal against Bosnia and Herzegovina after the governing body invoked Article 27 of its disciplinary code.

FIFA’s decision has drawn widespread criticism from UEFA, England manager Thomas Tuchel and several football associations, with many questioning the consistency of the tournament’s disciplinary process.