Portugal Eliminated in Round of 16 Despite Ronaldo's "Last" Appearance [2026 FIFA World Cup]

[Financial News] Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, of Portugal's national football team and Al-Nassr FC, saw his side eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Portugal lost 1-0 to Spain in the Round of 16 on the 6th local time. Ronaldo had previously hinted that this tournament would be his "last World Cup."
According to local media outlets including ESPN, Portugal and Spain met in the Round of 16 at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, Texas, on the day.
Spain controlled possession from the opening whistle with its trademark short passing, while Portugal focused on defense and looked for a chance on the counterattack. Both teams pushed for a goal, but were denied by outstanding saves from the opposing goalkeepers. In the 16th minute, Lamine Yamal's left-footed shot and Alex Baena's right-footed effort were both stopped by goalkeeper Diogo.
Portugal escaped the danger and tried to respond, but in the 36th minute, consecutive shots from João Félix and Ronaldo were both saved by goalkeeper Unai Simón. Portugal also failed to score in the 41st minute, when Nuno Mendes' powerful left-footed strike hit the post.
Portugal made changes in the 26th minute of the second half, bringing on Diogo Dalot and Rafael Leão. Spain adjusted its attack with the introduction of Ferran Torres in the 30th minute of the second half and Mikel Merino in the 40th minute.
The match was decided one minute into stoppage time in the second half. Torres controlled the ball in front of the penalty area and passed to the charging Merino. Faced with the goalkeeper one-on-one, Merino calmly placed his shot into the corner to score.
With time running out, Portugal increased the pressure in search of an equalizer, but Spain held firm in defense and preserved its one-goal lead to secure the win.
Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes but failed to make a decisive impact. Making his sixth appearance at the FIFA World Cup finals, he said at a press conference in Dallas on the 5th, "I want to enjoy the fact that this will likely be my last World Cup as much as possible." He also said, "I hope tomorrow will not be my last World Cup match, and that, God willing, I can keep moving forward." He added three goals in this tournament to bring his career total to 11 at the FIFA World Cup.
Meanwhile, Spain reached the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 16 years, since winning the 2010 tournament in South Africa. Spain will face the winner of the United States-Belgium match in Los Angeles, California, on the 11th for a place in the semifinals.
pjw@fnnews.com Park Jong-won Reporter