World Cup 2026 | Portugal vs Spain

Spain vs. Portugal result: Mikel Merino sends La Roja into World Cup quarterfinals

The Arsenal midfielder came on in the 85th minute and scored the winner in the 91st to break the deadlock in a game that had been stuck from the opening whistle.

THOMAS COEX

Héctor Martínez David Nelson

Madrid Update: Jul 6th, 2026 18:15 EDT

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It didn’t end up being a thriller of a game game between two outstanding teams. Instead, it was one of those matches that feels like it’s being played with the handbrake on. Portugal and Spain know each other so well that the battle in Dallas turned into a cautious chess match that offered little entertainment.

The stakes, however, could not have been higher: a place in the World Cup quarterfinals. Spain had to dig deep, stay patient and fight to avoid the cliff edge of extra time. But just when it seemed inevitable, Mikel Merino came to the rescue. Who else? He replaced Dani Olmo in the 85th minute and, six minutes later, created the winning goal almost entirely by himself. After winning a free kick, he restarted play quickly. The move went through Fabián Ruiz and Ferran Torres before the ball found its way back to Merino, who beat Diogo Costa to send Spain into the quarterfinals. Thank you, Mikel. Once again, you’ve made an entire country happy, just as you did during the unforgettable Euro 2024.

Portugal’s lineup

From the 2025 Nations League final at Munich’s Allianz Arena, Portugal still had seven starters in its lineup: Diogo Costa, João Neves, Rúben Dias, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto and Cristiano Ronaldo. Spain had five: Unai Simón, Marc Cucurella, Pedri, Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal. Not much had changed since then, especially considering both teams were still guided by the same masterminds, Roberto Martínez and Luis de la Fuente. Compared to the Round of 16, Portugal made just one change, bringing in João Félix for Rafael Leão, while Spain stuck with the same lineup that defeated Austria.

The first statement came from referee Anthony Taylor, who made it clear he would allow plenty of physical play. That was hardly surprising given the English official’s reputation, and he stayed consistent throughout the match. The second warning came from João Cancelo, who unleashed a powerful long-range effort. The third belonged to Oyarzabal, who finished off Spain’s first flowing passing move but somehow dragged his shot wide with Diogo Costa utterly beaten.

Portugal brings the intensity

Yet amid the slow opening stages, one concerning pattern emerged: every loose ball seemed to fall Portugal’s way. The Portuguese side looked stronger physically, but more importantly, played every duel with greater intensity.

And Cristiano Ronaldo? Barely involved. Lamine Yamal? Off his game. His passing lacked precision, his touches were heavy, and he looked nothing like himself. Across from him, Nuno Mendes began cautiously but grew into the match before producing the biggest moment of the first half. In the 41st minute, his left-footed strike crashed off the crossbar after Pedro Porro made the slightest of headed deflections.

Soccer, however, has a habit of rewriting its own script.

Five minutes into the second half, Lamine finally burst past Nuno Mendes. The Portuguese fullback recovered, but injured himself in the process. The expressions on both Mendes’ face and Roberto Martínez’s told the story. Nelson Semedo replaced him at left back, lining up directly against the winger who normally causes so much damage.

Strangely, Spain then stopped attacking down that flank, even though the matchup against Semedo seemed far more favorable. Rodri continued pulling the strings, Álex Baena found pockets of space between the lines, but the finishing touch was missing. Portugal, meanwhile, added more physicality with the introductions of Diogo Dalot and Rafael Leão.

For the final 15 minutes plus stoppage time, Portugal built a defensive wall while Spain tried to break it down without enough urgency or cutting edge. It looked impossible.

Until a player named Mikel Merino stepped onto the field and untangled a stubborn, frustrating game.

His goal moved Spain one step closer to making history.

Next stop: Los Angeles on Friday.

Spain’s numbers against Portugal

1.77 expected goals (xG)

Spain generated nearly three times Portugal’s expected goals total (0.60), underlining its greater attacking threat.

55.5% possession

Spain controlled the ball for most of the match and dictated the tempo.

15 shots

Luis de la Fuente’s team outshot Portugal, which finished with 10 attempts.

531 passes

Spain completed more than 500 passes at an 87.9% success rate, highlighting its precision and control.

91st-minute winner

Mikel Merino scored in the 91st minute to send Spain into the quarterfinals.