Spain is the fifth team to qualify for the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup, the fourth European team after France (who face Morocco in the quarterfinals), Norway, and England. In Dallas Luis de la Fuente's team beat Portugal 1-0 thanks to Mikel Merino's 91st-minute goal, at the end of a game that remained tied until injury time. The decisive move came from a quickly taken free kick: Ferran Torres fed Merino, who fired a right-footed shot past Diogo Costa to seal the winner.
The match was tactical and with few clear-cut chances. Spain controlled possession longer, creating the best opportunities Already in the first half, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Oyarzabal found the net, but Diogo Costa was alert. Portugal responded primarily with Pedro Neto and Cristiano Ronaldo, failing to consistently trouble Unai Simón. The second half saw a slower pace, with both teams focused on not giving up any space, until the match-deciding incident in added time.
For the Roja this is the fourth consecutive victory in the tournamentAfter finishing first in the group, De la Fuente's team eliminated Austria with a clear 3-0 victory and now continues their journey without having yet conceded a goal in the knockout stage.
For Portugal Instead, the World Cup ends and, in all likelihood, Cristiano Ronaldo's international career as wellThe 41-year-old Portuguese captain had announced before the tournament that this would be his last World Cup. This brings to an end a journey that began in Germany in 2006 and reached its conclusion. sixth World Cup participation, a record shared with Lionel MessiThis season, Ronaldo scored against Croatia in the victory that took Portugal to the round of 16, but he failed to make his mark against Spain.
His career remains without a World Cup title, the only major trophy missing from a list of honours that includes a European Championship, two Nations Leagues and five Champions Leagues. His last World Cup ended with an elimination in the round of 16 and with a narrow defeat in an Iberian derby decided only in injury time.
Belgium scores four against the United States
During the night, in the match played at Seattle Stadium, Rudy Garcia's Belgium defeated the United States 4-1. Belgian De Ketelaere scored twice in the 9th and 30th minutes, followed by his teammate Hans Vanaken in the 57th minute and Romelo Lukaku in the 93rd. Malik Tillman scored for the Americans in the 31st minute. The striker's appearance was of no avail for the US. Folarin Balogun, who started as a starter after the very strong controversy due to the incredible revocation of his disqualification by FIFA, following a phone call from Donald Trump to Gianni Infantino. An injustice to which the Belgian national team, which also saw its appeal rejected, responded with mockery. "Turn this around," read a social media post above a photo of Lukaku celebrating his goal.
Argentina-Egypt and Switzerland-Colombia
The final two round of 16 matches are scheduled for today. At 6:00 PM Italian time, Lionel Messi's Argentina will face Momo Salah's Egypt. The match will be played in Atlanta, Georgia, and will be broadcast live on Rai 1 and DAZN. The winner of this match will face either Colombia or Switzerland in the quarterfinals, with the latter facing off in today's other match, scheduled for 10:00 PM Italian time. Tomorrow is the only day of rest scheduled for the entire tournament..
(Last update: 10.33 on 7 July).
