Spain and Belgium Advance to World Cup Quarterfinals as Portugal and USA Exit

The 2026 World Cup saw dramatic knockout matches as Spain and Belgium secured quarterfinal spots, while Portugal and host nation USA were eliminated. Spain narrowly defeated Portugal 1-0 thanks to a 91st-minute winning goal by substitute Mikel Merino, who also scored a crucial winner for Spain at Euro 2024. Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simon set a new World Cup record by maintaining a clean sheet for 609 consecutive minutes. The match marked the final World Cup appearance for Cristiano Ronaldo, who ended his tournament career with 11 goals and the distinction of scoring in six different World Cups, though without ever winning the title.

In the other match, Belgium dominated the USA 4-1 in Seattle. Belgium took an early lead through Charles De Ketelaere and extended it quickly after the US equalizer by Malik Tillman. A costly error by US goalkeeper Matt Turner allowed a third Belgian goal, and Romelu Lukaku sealed the victory with a late goal off the bench. The US team, coached by Mauricio Pochettino, appeared overwhelmed under pressure despite a strong group stage performance. The match was also marked by controversy surrounding former US President Donald Trump's intervention to lift the suspension of player Paul Arriola, who started the game.

Spain's victory and Belgium's commanding performance highlight their strong bids for the World Cup title, while Portugal and the USA face early exits. Ronaldo's farewell to the World Cup stage closes a remarkable chapter in football history, underscored by his record-breaking achievements and emotional departure.

Key statistics include Unai Simon's 609-minute clean sheet streak, the longest ever by a Spanish goalkeeper in World Cup history, and Ronaldo's unique record of scoring in six World Cups. The tournament now moves forward with Spain and Belgium preparing for quarterfinal clashes.