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Cristiano Ronaldo. Image via: Lars Baron/ Getty Images
Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career ended in tears on Monday as substitute Mikel Merino's stoppage-time strike sent Spain past Portugal 1-0 in the round of 16 in Arlington, Texas. Merino, who had come on in the 85th minute, ghosted in behind Portugal's defense to finish a Ferran Torres pass in the 91st, ending a tight, chance-starved Iberian derby.The result eliminates Ronaldo, 41, from soccer's biggest stage for good, since he had already confirmed this would be his final World Cup appearance. Spain, unbeaten and still without conceding a goal in the tournament, advances to face the winner of the USMNT-Belgium match in the quarterfinals.
Cristiano Ronaldo leaves the World Cup stadium in tears
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (7) reacts after the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Portugal and Spain in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Cristiano Ronaldo played all 90 minutes and finished with just three shots, two on target, unable to beat Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón.
After the final whistle, he wiped away tears while applauding fans at the stadium. Speaking to reporters afterward, he said he was "sad to leave the World Cup this way," adding that he was moving forward with a clear conscience and would take time with family before deciding on his international future.
Ronaldo's tournament ends with 11 career World Cup goals and 27 appearances, second only to Lionel Messi's 30. He remains the only player to score in six different World Cups, having netted three goals in this edition, including a brace against Uzbekistan and a penalty against Croatia.
His deepest World Cup run came in 2006, a semifinal appearance in his debut tournament. He won Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles with Portugal, but the World Cup trophy stayed out of reach.
| Category | Cristiano Ronaldo (World Cup career) |
| Tournaments played | 6 |
| Total appearances | 27 |
| Total goals | 11 |
| Best finish | Semifinal (2006) |
| Trophies won with Portugal | UEFA Euro 2016, 2 UEFA Nations League titles |
Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez also announced his departure after the match, saying the team needed a "new voice" following the elimination. Martínez, whose contract was set to expire after the tournament, had led Portugal since 2023 and also guided the team to the 2025 Nations League title.
Portugal vs Spain highlights:
- Result: Spain 1, Portugal 0 (Round of 16, Dallas Stadium/AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas)
- Winner: Mikel Merino, 91st minute
- Ronaldo's World Cup exit: Sixth and final tournament, no trophy, 11 goals, 27 appearances
- Coaching change: Roberto Martínez confirms he is stepping down as Portugal manager
- What's next: Spain face the USMNT-Belgium winner in the quarterfinals
Fans react to heartbreaking end of Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career
Social media lit up with tributes as the final whistle sounded. One fan, @kiisn18, wrote, "Heartbreaking to see him like this. A true legend of the game. Thank you for everything you've given to football, CR7." Another, @_SANFO, posted, "We bow out with pride. Nothing is guaranteed and all shall be well." Others, including @Fabulousjnr1 and @BlordChief, mourned the missing World Cup trophy while still calling him the greatest of all time.
With Martínez's exit opening the door for a new Portugal era, and Ronaldo yet to confirm whether he'll retire from international football entirely, attention now shifts to who replaces the coach and how the team rebuilds around its next generation, even as Ronaldo's international future remains unresolved.
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