Cristiano Ronaldo was left in tears after Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 ended their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. The loss also marked the final World Cup appearance of the Al Nassr star, who had confirmed before the match that this would be his last tournament.

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Spain and Portugal appeared destined for extra time for most of the match, but Mikel Merino struck in stoppage time with a composed finish after being played through on goal. Portugal searched desperately for a late equaliser and nearly found one in the dying moments, but Spain held on to seal a 1-0 win.

Ronaldo’s final World Cup

The FIFA World Cup will remain the one major trophy missing from Cristiano Ronaldo’s illustrious career. After six attempts, the 41-year-old Portugal captain now has to come to terms with ending his World Cup journey without winning international football’s biggest prize. Even so, he leaves behind an unmatched legacy as the only player to score in six consecutive FIFA World Cups. He scored 11 goals in World Cup play, tied for ninth on the career list.

The final whistle left Ronaldo visibly emotional as he applauded and waved to the Portugal fans in the stands with tears in his eyes. Before the match, he had confirmed that this would be his last World Cup, though he stopped short of announcing his retirement from international football.

“I’m sad to be leaving the World Cup like this,” he said. “I gave it my all. I did my best and I’m leaving with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes, but I’ll now have time to reflect and be with my family. I won’t be making any rash decisions.”

On the individual front, Ronaldo remains the most prolific player in international football history, with 146 goals in 233 appearances for Portugal. His finest moment came in 2016 when he captained his country to the European Championship title.

On the day before the round of 16 game, Ronaldo spoke to reporters for about 25 minutes and said he hoped it wouldn’t be his last match and wanted “to enjoy what will be my last World Cup to the fullest.” The closest Ronaldo ever made it in the World Cup was a semifinal run in 2006, his debut in the tournament.

Ronaldo struggles for impact

In what he had announced would be his final World Cup appearance, Ronaldo managed just 19 touches in the match — 12 in the first half, the fewest he has ever recorded before halftime in a World Cup game, and only seven in the second half, with none coming after the 80th minute.

He attempted three shots across the 90 minutes and came closest to scoring in the 37th minute after Unai Simón blocked a Joao Felix effort into his path. However, Ronaldo could not get enough power on the quick rebound, allowing the Spain goalkeeper to make a diving save.

It was a lively contest from the outset as Spain threatened first through Mikel Oyarzabal, whose long-range effort tested Diogo Costa. At the other end, Portugal responded with Joao Cancelo, but his attempt sailed over the crossbar.

Merino seals Spain’s victory

Oyarzabal had a golden chance to put Spain ahead in the eighth minute after Dani Olmo’s first-time pass sent him through on goal, but he dragged his shot wide. Moments later, Bruno Fernandes won possession from Pedri and played Ronaldo in, only for Unai Simon to make a comfortable save.

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Costa was called into action again before the break, producing a fine double save to deny Lamine Yamal from the right before getting a fingertip to Alex Baena’s follow-up effort. Simon also kept out Joao Felix’s header and then denied Ronaldo from the rebound after his volley. Portugal came closest to scoring when Nuno Mendes’ effort was diverted onto the crossbar by Pedro Porro’s header.

Spain took control after the restart, with Yamal forcing Costa into another save as the Portuguese goalkeeper tipped his free-kick over the bar.

Portugal’s defence held firm for much of the second half, frustrating Spain until the 91st minute, when Ferran Torres reacted quickly to set up Mikel Merino, who calmly slotted home into the bottom corner. Bernardo Silva nearly rescued Portugal in the 97th minute, but the substitute headed over the bar.