Substitute Mikel Merino scores a 91st-minute winner as Spain defeats Portugal 1-0 to reach the World Cup quarterfinals.
A 91st-minute strike from substitute, Mikel Merino propelled Spain into the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals with a dramatic 1-0 victory over rivals Portugal at AT&T Stadium.
The high-stakes Round of 16 clash appeared destined for extra time after both sides cancelled each other out for much of the contest. Merino, however, broke the deadlock deep into stoppage time, finishing clinically to send Spain through.
Spain enjoyed more possession for long spells and created the better openings, but Portugal remained compact defensively and threatened on the counterattack. Goalkeepers at both ends were called into action as chances proved difficult to convert in a tense encounter.
With extra time looming, Spain found the breakthrough in the first minute of added time when Merino arrived at the right moment to score the decisive goal, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters.
The victory sends Spain into the quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of the Round of 16 clash between the United States and Belgium. Portugal, meanwhile, exits the tournament after a disciplined display that was undone by a late moment of quality.