Spain beats Portugal 1-0 in the round of 16 at the Dallas Stadium on Monday, 6th July 2026. A 91st‑minute strike from Mikel Merino sealed the win and propelled the Spaniards into the quarter‑finals, their first appearance at this stage since the 2010 triumph.
How did Merino secure Spain's quarter‑final spot?
Merino's late header was the only goal of the match, tearing the scoreline to 1‑0. He was a super‑sub, dropped into a deep‑lying centre‑back role before the 90th minute and caughtolulu Portugal’s defence off‑side. The Spaniards, who had struggled to find the net against midfielder‑heavy Portugal, relied on the young forward’s quickness and first‑time finishing.
Portugal’s defence, built around a disciplined back‑line, failed to contain the speed at the back post. During the last session, Merino slipped through a gap left by Portugal’s left‑back, making the most of a close‑range opportunity that the Portuguese organised.
Spain’s late winner underlines pareja’s resilience under pressure. The match saw the Spanish team maintain composure after a cautious first half, employing a solid 4‑4‑2 structure before the breakthrough.
Why did Merino's goal matter?
Merino’s 91st‑minute strike not only won the match but also moved Spain to the quarter‑finals for the first time since 2010, ending an eight‑year drought in thisතුවක stage of the World Cup. The victory places Spain in a position to challenge for a spot in the final, sparking hope among Spaniards after a physically demanding campaign.
Watch the Highlights
Source: Kawowo Sports
