Portugal’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign ended with a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16, played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Monday, 6 July. Substitute Mikel Merino settled the tie with a stoppage-time strike, ending A Seleção’s run in the last 16.
This guide recaps Portugal’s full run through the 2026 tournament, from their Group K opener to the Spain match that ended their campaign.
Portugal’s elimination: Spain 1-0 in the Round of 16
Portugal went out of the 2026 World Cup after Spain substitute Mikel Merino scored in the first minute of stoppage time to break a goalless deadlock. Merino converted a Ferran Torres assist in the 90+1st minute, sending Spain through to the quarter-finals.
- Result: Portugal 0-1 Spain
- Round: Round of 16
- Date: Monday, 6 July 2026
- Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
- Decisive goal: Mikel Merino, 90+1′ (assist: Ferran Torres)
- Attendance: a sellout crowd of 70,649
The loss also marked the final match of Cristiano Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup appearance. Spain went on to beat Belgium in the quarter-finals and France in the semi-finals, setting up the final against Argentina on 19 July.
Portugal’s full record at the 2026 World Cup
Portugal finished top of Group K with five points, then beat Croatia in the Round of 32 before their tournament ended against Spain in the last 16 — a final record of two wins, two draws, and one loss from five matches.
The table below recaps every Portugal fixture at the 2026 World Cup, from the group stage through the Round of 16 exit.
| Fixture | Date & venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal vs DR Congo | 17 Jun — NRG Stadium, Houston | 1–1 |
| Portugal vs Uzbekistan | 23 Jun — NRG Stadium, Houston | 5–0 (Portugal win) |
| Colombia vs Portugal | 27 Jun — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami | 0–0 |
| Portugal vs Croatia | 2 Jul — BMO Field, Toronto | 2–1 (Portugal win) |
| Portugal vs Spain | 6 Jul — AT&T Stadium, Arlington | 0–1 (Spain win — Portugal eliminated) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How far did Portugal go at the 2026 World Cup?
Portugal reached the Round of 16. They topped Group K, beat Croatia 2-1 in the Round of 32, then lost 1-0 to Spain in the last 16 on 6 July 2026.
Who eliminated Portugal?
Spain eliminated Portugal. Substitute Mikel Merino scored a stoppage-time winner in the Round of 16 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on 6 July 2026.
What was Portugal’s final record?
Portugal finished with two wins, two draws, and one loss from five matches. They beat Uzbekistan 5-0 and Croatia 2-1, drew with DR Congo and Colombia, and lost 1-0 to Spain in the Round of 16.
Sources
- FIFA — Portugal v Spain match report, Round of 16
- ESPN — Portugal 0-1 Spain, final score and match summary
- Al Jazeera — Portugal vs Spain, Round of 16 live coverage
- Wego — 2026 FIFA World Cup travel guide
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