Portugal’s 2026 World Cup round of 16 ended with a 0-1 loss to Spain. cristiano ronaldoA brilliant World Cup career. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s dream of lifting football’s biggest trophy ended without a World Cup winner. After Portugal’s elimination, Ronaldo’s ardent admirer and Indian pacer Mohammad Siraj paid tribute to his idol on Instagram.Ronaldo looked calm as he walked off the pitch after his final World Cup appearance, waving to Portugal supporters. Despite his obvious disappointment, the 41-year-old accepted the result with grace.“Sad, it’s normal to be eliminated like this,” Ronaldo said after the game.“I have given everything, I have tried my best and I leave with a clear conscience. This is football, this is the life of a footballer. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.”After leaving, Siraj wrote a touching eulogy for him,“No matter what happens today, you will always be my inspiration, Cristiano. One match will never define your greatness. Thank you for inspiring millions around the world,” Siraj wrote on his Instagram Story.
Spain knocks out Portugal and advances to quarterfinals
Spain sealed their spot in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals with a dramatic 1-0 win over Portugal at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The hotly contested Iberian derby seemed destined to go into overtime, but Spain scored in the first minute of stoppage time. In the 91st minute, substitute Mikel Merino took a quick free kick that caught the Portuguese defense off guard, then rushed into the penalty area to receive a back pass from Ferran Torres and calmly passed the goalkeeper.The victory moved Spain into the quarter-finals and continued a stellar defensive performance that saw them keep their sixth consecutive clean sheet at the World Cup. For Portugal, however, the defeat marked the end of their World Cup journey and the final chapter of Cristiano Ronaldo’s storied career on football’s biggest stage.
