Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup dream ends as Spain eliminate Portugal thanks to Merino’s goal

That brings us to the end of our live blog coverage of Spain's 1-0 victory over Portugal. We’ll be back soon with more coverage.

Although Spain came in looking to clearly dominate their opponent, they were unable to gain the upper hand during the game. By sharing possession, they kept the game even, shining as a team. While the wingers played exceptionally well, neither Lamine nor Baena managed to break the deadlock. Instead, a play by Ferran Torres set up Mikel Merino, who scored brilliantly past Diogo Costa.

While Bruno Fernandes came close to scoring in the final minutes, they were unable to break through Spain’s defense. Although Portugal had possession of the ball, they failed to shine, leaving Cristiano Ronaldo sidelined. Far from being solid on offense, they couldn’t find any openings and seemed to run out of ideas. As a result, they were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup in what was to be Cristiano’s final farewell.

Following a great pass from Ferran Torres, Mikel Merino gets a 1v1 situation, crossing the shoot to defeat Portugal's Diogo Costa.

Neither Spain nor Portugal stands out for its passivity on offense. Playing it safe, they choose not to take many risks on offense, resulting in this disappointing tie. Only top-level individual performances can break this deadlock.

Looking to dominate again the ball, Spain's Luis de la Fuente has decided to take Pedri and Dani Olmo. In their place, Mikel Merino and Fabian Ruiz get on field.

Looking to boost their offense, Portugal's Roberto Martinez has decided to take Vitinha and Pedro Neto off field. In their place, Bernardo Silva and Francisco Coinceicao get on field.

Defensive play is dominating the match between Spain and Portugal. Although both sides have had chances, none have been particularly convincing. Far from being a problem with the forwards or wingers, this is a testament to both defenses. Only individual mistakes will decide this game.

Spain's Luis de la Fuente has decided to take Alex Baena off field. In his place, Ferran Torres get on field.

In the midst of a closely contested match, neither Mikel Oyarzabal nor Cristiano Ronaldo managed to shine in a commanding way. With the wingers taking center stage, both Spain’s and Portugal’s forwards were nowhere to be seen, after having a few chances in the first half.

Portugal's Roberto Martinez have decided to take Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo off field. In their place, Rafael Leao get on field.

After the three-minute hydration break, the referee resumes play between Portugal and Spain.

Both Spain and Portugal have managed to dominate possession and create chances in the box. The wingers and fullbacks have been key to this. However, neither team has been able to make a decisive impact in front of the goal, leaving the game somewhat lackluster.

Although they weren't dominating in the first half, Portugal have managed to control possession, getting the better of Spain. However, they haven't been able to finish their chances, with Cristiano Ronaldo missing several scoring opportunities.

Amid Portugal's great progression, Nuno Mendes falls in the field, denoting muscle issues. Covering his place, head coach Roberto Martinez has decided to get Nelson Semedo on field.

Portugal seem to have found a way to score against Spain: exploiting the space behind the defense with Pedro Neto and the fullbacks. They're already finding more openings in the opposing defense.

Like the first half, Spain and Portugal have also divided the ball possession, having key chances to score.

Portugal vs Spain second half is underway.

Spain have lost their edge in ball possession. Portugal have regained their collective spark, with its attacking fullbacks pushing toward the goal and coming close to a goal by Cristiano Ronaldo. However, Luis de la Fuente’s team is making it difficult for them to create scoring opportunities, cutting off every attack.

After a brilliant collective game, Cristiano Ronaldo receives the ball and launches a shoot. However, Unai Simon makes an heroic save to limit Portugal's chances.

Unlike the first minutes, Portugal now share the ball possession with Spain. However, Luis de la Fuente's team have more chances to score, nearing the goal.

After the water break, Portugal have taken control of the ball. Despite this, Spain remain solid on defense, leaving no openings for its opponent.

After the three-minute hydration break, the referee resumes play between Portugal and Spain.

Nuno Mendes is Portugal's most dangerous player. After winning the ball back, he manages to control it and make long passes. In doing so, he sets up his teammates and drives the team's offense.

Although Spain dominate possession, they are unable to create many scoring opportunities against Portugal. As a result, Roberto Martinez’s team shines on defense, making life difficult for Lamine Yamal’s team. However, they are dangerous in long-rage shots, having clear chances to score.

Just like in the match against Croatia, Portugal have dropped deep inside their own penalty area. Despite having players such as Vitinha and João Neves, they have not been able to take control of the game, leaving the team reliant on counterattacks. Thanks to their strong defensive display, Spain are edging closer to finding the opening goal.

After a freat pass from Dani Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal gets a 1v1 situation vs Diogo Costa. However, he fails to convert the clearest chance in the game.

As expected, Spain are putting heavy pressure on Portugal, pinning them back in their own penalty area. Although Cristiano Ronaldo’s team is trying to launch counterattacks, their opponents quickly regain possession and go back on the attack.

Portugal vs Spain 2026 World Cup clash is already underway at Arlington Stadium.

Despite arriving at the 2026 World Cup with physical discomfort, Lamine Yamal managed to regain full fitness and has become a regular starter for Spain. Throughout the tournament, he has been a central figure in the national team's attack, receiving the ball and stretching the pitch. Even so, he has scored just one goal, which has disappointed many fans. Because of this, he could arrive highly motivated to showcase his goalscoring ability against Portugal.

If he scores against Cristiano Ronaldo's team, Lamine could silence much of the criticism from supporters. In addition, he would once again establish as a cornerstone of the team, especially with Mikel Oyarzabal and Marc Cucurella having been the most decisive performers so far. As one of the leading candidates for the Ballon d'Or, he needs to deliver a standout performance in these knockout stages.

Despite being 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo remains among the world's top goalscorers. Not only has he continued to shine for Al Nassr, but he has also been one of Portugal's leading scorers. However, he has revealed that the 2026 World Cup will be his final edition with the national team. With that in mind, he is expected to arrive fully motivated to make the difference against Spain.

Throughout the four matches he has played, Cristiano has scored three goals, making him Portugal's top scorer. With Messi, Haaland, Mbappé, and Kane ahead of him in the tournament's scoring charts, the 40-year-old striker could look to deliver a strong performance against Spain by exploiting the space in behind and taking advantage of the pace of Portugal's wingers.

Portugal are ranked 7th with 1787.85, as per FIFA Men’s World Ranking. Despite their latest victory, they have lost one position in the ranking. With their promising project, they have managed to significantly improve their international standing, winning two UEFA Nations League trophies and UEFA Euro trophy. However, they have yet to match their highest-ever ranking, which was 3rd from September of 2017 to April of 2018.

According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Spain are ranked 3rd with 1892.28 points. Despite their solid performances, they have lost one position in the ranking. After several years without shinning in a tournament, head coach Luis de la Fuente has managed to recover their impact, winning a UEFA Nations League and a UEFA Euro. However, they have yet to match their highest-ever ranking, which was 1st in July of 2014.

The 2026 World Cup knockout stage rolls into Dallas for an absolute thriller of a Round of 16 matchup: Portugal vs. Spain. Beyond simply surviving the tie, a victory here will completely scramble the road to the final, so here are the massive bracket implications riding on this clash.

• What happens if Portugal win and Spain lose?

If Portugal defeat Spain, whether in regulation time, extra time or a penalty shootout, Portugal will qualify for the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals.

• What happens if Portugal and Spain are level after 90 minutes?

If Portugal and Spain draw after 90 minutes, they would have to determine the winner of the tie in extra time. Therefore, they would play two 15-minute periods. In case there is still no winner, the match would go to a penalty shootout, where the winner would be decided.

• What happens if Spain win and Portugal lose?

If Portugal lose, regardless of whether it happens in regulation time, extra time, or penalties, Portugal will be eliminated from the 2026 World Cup. Spain would advance to face either the United States or Belgium in the quarterfinals.

With the team in top form, Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has decided to stick with the same starting lineup as in their recent victory. Although Nico Williams has returned from injury, he will start on the bench, allowing Alex Baena to keep his starting spot. In addition, hopes are pinned on Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal, who have been crucial in recent games.

• Spain will lineup as follows: Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal.

Despite the team’s lackluster performance, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has decided to stick with a similar lineup. Both Vitinha and João Neves will be key to building the team’s play and driving effective counterattacks. However, all eyes are on Cristiano Ronaldo, who is expected to make a difference on the scoring front, just as he did in the previous game.

• Portugal will play as follows: Diogo Costa; João Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes; João Neves, Vitinha; Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix; Cristiano Ronaldo.

Portugal vs Spain is set to start at 3:00pm ET / 12:00pm PT

You can watch 2026 World Cup game live on Fubo here.

Welcome to our live blog of the match between Portugal and Spain in the 2026 World Cup at Arlington Stadium. Stay with us for all the key information about this clash, and once the game kicks off, for minute-by-minute updates.