Portugal’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign came to a heartbreaking end after a 1-0 defeat to Spain, with a dramatic stoppage-time winner sending their Iberian rivals through to the quarter-finals.
Substitute Mikel Merino emerged as Spain’s hero, scoring deep into added time to seal victory and condemn Portugal to a painful exit from the tournament.
The result also signals the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s illustrious international career. The Portuguese captain had previously confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be his final major tournament for the national team, bringing the curtain down on one of football’s greatest international journeys.
Ronaldo leaves the international stage with an extraordinary legacy. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner captained Portugal to their first major trophy at UEFA Euro 2016 before lifting the UEFA Nations League in 2019. He also finishes as Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped player, cementing his place as one of the country’s greatest-ever footballers.
