Spain Defeats Portugal 1-0 to Reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarterfinals

Kathmandu. Spain has reached the quarterfinals by defeating Portugal 1-0 in the final 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The only goal for Spain's victory was scored by substitute player Mikel Merino in the first minute of extra time. Merino had entered the field in the 85th minute and scored just 6 minutes after entering the field, taking Spain to the final eight. Ferran Torres, who entered the field as a substitute in the 75th minute, provided an excellent pass for his goal. With this defeat, the World Cup journey of 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo has also ended. By eliminating Portugal from the final 16, Spain has secured a place in the quarterfinals.

Key Records Set in Spain's Victory

• Victory in World Cup Knockout Stage After 16 Years

Spain achieved victory in the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time since defeating the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final. The 16-year wait has now ended.

• Fifth Consecutive Clean Sheet

From the group stage to the final 16, Spain has played five matches, securing four wins and one draw. More remarkably, Spain has not conceded a single goal from the opponent in all five matches.

• Decisive Combination of Substitute Players

Ferran Torres, who entered the field in the 75th minute, passed to Mikel Merino, who entered in the 85th minute, and scored the winning goal in the 90+1 minute. This decisive goal from the combination of substitute players has become a rare and memorable achievement for Spain.