Spain advance to the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals after a 1-0 victory over Portugal decided by a late goal from substitute Mikel Merino. Multiple reports describe the winner as coming in added time or the 91st minute, with Merino finishing calmly to break the tie and send Spain through. The match ends Portuguese hopes of progressing further in the tournament, with coverage noting the impact on Cristiano Ronaldo’s pursuit of further World Cup success. Across the sources, Spain’s goal is described as decisive, with Spain keeping a clean sheet and not conceding during the game. The late nature of the strike is a consistent theme, with Merino acting as a key game-changer after coming on as a substitute. One outlet also highlights that Spain’s qualification takes them to their quarter-finals for the first time since their 2010 World Cup title. Overall, the reporting aligns on the scoreline, the scorer, the timing of the goal, and the result: Spain reach the last eight by defeating Portugal 1-0.