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Cristiano Ronaldo bows out as Spain eliminates Portugal in World Cup round of 16
Spain defeated Portugal 1‑0 in the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Mikel Merino scoring the winning goal in the 91st minute after a pass from Ferran Torres. The victory sent Spain to the quarter‑finals and ended Portugal’s tournament.
The match marked the final World Cup appearance for 41‑year‑old Cristiano Ronaldo. He left the field in tears, telling reporters, “I’m sad to be leaving the World Cup like this… I gave my best and I’m leaving with a clear conscience.” Ronaldo confirmed before the game that this would be his last World Cup, though he stopped short of announcing retirement from international football.
Ronaldo’s World Cup record includes six tournaments, 27 matches, 11 goals and the distinction of being the only player to score in six consecutive World Cups. He remains Portugal’s all‑time leader with 146 goals in 233 caps. Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simón set a tournament record of 609 minutes without conceding.
The emotional exit underscores the end of an era for one of football’s most celebrated figures while highlighting Spain’s strong defensive performance and progression in the tournament.