- Mikel Merino’s Stoppage-Time Strike Ends Iberian Clash as Spain Keep Historic Clean-Sheet Run Alive
WASHINGTON: Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal in a tense Round of 16 encounter at Arlington, Texas, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Mikel Merino.
With the match seemingly destined for extra time, Merino delivered the decisive breakthrough in the first minute of second-half stoppage time, sending Spain into the last eight and breaking Portuguese hearts in a fiercely contested Iberian derby.
The victory extends Spain’s impressive defensive record, making La Roja the only team yet to concede a goal in the tournament—a testament to their disciplined backline and tactical organization.
Spain Return to the Last Eight for the First Time Since 2010
The win marks Spain’s first FIFA World Cup quarterfinal appearance since their historic 2010 triumph, when they captured their maiden world title.
Since lifting the trophy in South Africa, Spain had endured a series of disappointing World Cup campaigns. The former champions exited in the group stage in 2014 before suffering Round of 16 eliminations in the following two editions, losing on penalty shootouts to Russia and Morocco.
Their victory over Portugal signals a return to the latter stages of football’s biggest tournament and reinforces Spain’s credentials as genuine contenders for another world title.
Quarterfinal Showdown Awaits
Spain will now face the winner of the Round of 16 clash between the United States men’s national soccer team and Belgium national football team, with the quarterfinal fixture set to determine who advances to the tournament’s final four.
Historic Expanded World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is the first edition to feature 48 participating nations, expanding the competition’s global reach.
The tournament will conclude with the final on July 19, as the world’s top football nations continue their quest for the sport’s most prestigious trophy.
BY: The Times Union
