Sport: Soccer Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Spain qualifies for quarter-finals with 91st-minute goal from Mikel Merino

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 7, 2026, 7:15 AM

Last updated Jul 7, 2026

Spain qualifies for quarter-finals with 91st-minute goal from Mikel Merino

Summary

Spain advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup thanks to a dramatic last-minute goal by Mikel Merino. His header in the 91st minute, following a cross from Ferran Torres, secured a 1-0 victory over Portugal. The win marks a significant moment for Spain, who faced the dual impact of ending Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career. On the other hand, Belgium eliminated the co-host team, the United States, with a resounding 4-1 victory, bringing their tournament run to an end. Controversy arose surrounding FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s handling of the Folarin Balogun red card after he reportedly received pressure from political figures to change the suspension rules.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Mikel Merino scored the winning goal for Spain in the 91st minute.
•Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career ends in tears following Portugal's loss.
•Belgium won decisively against the U.S. team, eliminating them from the tournament.
•Infantino faces backlash over his handling of player suspensions.

Latest Updates

7:15 AMYahoo Sports — 🗞️ World press hails the MERINAZO that sends Spain into the last eight

What they're saying

"
The world sports press has woken up stunned after a historic day at the 2026 World Cup, marked by Spain’s epic qualification at the very last gasp, the definitive farewell of a legend of the game, a...
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Soccer