World Cup 2026: Substitute Mikel Merino Fires Spain Past Portugal Into Quarter-Finals

Merino's Late Goal Decides Iberian Showdown                                                                                                                                              
     

                                                                                                                                            

Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals after substitute Mikel Merino scored a late winner to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Portugal in the Round of 16.

The closely contested encounter saw both sides create chances, but Spain finally broke the deadlock in the closing stages as Merino made an immediate impact from the bench to send the European champions into the last eight.

Portugal matched Spain for long periods and remained defensively organized throughout much of the match.

Despite creating opportunities of their own, they were unable to find a breakthrough before Merino's decisive strike ended their World Cup campaign.

The victory keeps Spain's hopes of lifting the World Cup trophy alive as they advance to the quarter-finals.

Spain have grown stronger as the tournament has progressed, combining solid defensive performances with patient attacking play to emerge as one of the favourites for the title.

Spain will now turn their attention to the quarter-finals, where an even tougher challenge awaits as the knockout stage intensifies.

With momentum on their side, the Spanish squad will aim to build on their impressive form and continue their pursuit of World Cup glory.