Spain and Belgium booked their places in the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals after victories over Portugal and the USA on Monday, July 6.
Mikel Merino came off the bench to score a dramatic late winner as Spain edged Portugal 1-0 in Dallas, ending Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup dream.
Meanwhile, Belgium produced a ruthless display to beat co-hosts USA 4-1 in Seattle despite Folarin Balogun being cleared to play following the suspension of his red-card ban.
The results mean Spain and Belgium will now meet in the quarter-finals on Friday.
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Merino’s late strike ends Ronaldo’s World Cup dream
Spain left it late to secure their place in the last eight as substitute Mikel Merino scored a stoppage-time winner to beat Portugal 1-0.
The European champions controlled large spells of the contest but struggled to find a way past Diogo Costa, who produced several important saves to keep Portugal level.
Cristiano Ronaldo had the chance to give Portugal the lead in the first half but saw his effort well saved by Unai Simon.
Spain responded after the break, with Costa denying Mikel Oyarzabal, Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena as Luis de la Fuente’s side increased the pressure.
Just when extra time looked inevitable, Spain found the breakthrough.
Ferran Torres burst into the penalty area before cutting the ball back for Merino, who had only been on the pitch for a few minutes, to slot home in the 91st minute.
Portugal pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Bernardo Silva headed over in the closing moments as Spain held on to progress.
The defeat also marked the end of Ronaldo’s World Cup career, while Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez stepped down from his role after the match.
Spain will now face Belgium in the quarter-finals.
Belgium punish USA’s costly mistakes
Belgium eased into the quarter-finals with a convincing 4-1 victory over co-hosts USA after capitalising on a series of defensive errors.
The Americans had received a major boost before kick-off after Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension was put on hold, allowing the striker to feature.
However, that proved to make little difference against an impressive Belgian side.
Charles De Ketelaere gave Belgium control with two first-half goals as the USA repeatedly gifted possession in dangerous areas.
Balogun briefly gave the home crowd hope when he pulled a goal back after the break, but Belgium quickly restored their advantage through Hans Vanaken before Romelu Lukaku added a fourth to complete an emphatic victory.
The result ended the USA’s hopes of progressing on home soil after a disappointing defensive display, while Belgium comfortably secured their place in the last eight.
Spain now await Belgium in what promises to be one of the standout quarter-final ties of the tournament.
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Michael Davey 
Simon Wilkes