By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Spain and Belgium booked their places in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after contrasting Round of 16 victories on Monday, while football icon Cristiano Ronaldo brought the curtain down on a glittering World Cup career.
Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 in a tense Iberian derby, with substitute Mikel Merino emerging the hero after firing home in the first minute of stoppage time (90+1) from a Ferran Torres pass to send La Roja into the last eight. The closely fought contest looked destined for extra time before Merino’s late intervention broke Portuguese hearts.
The defeat marked the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable World Cup journey. The 41-year-old, playing in his sixth and final FIFA World Cup, left the pitch in tears after failing to realise his lifelong dream of lifting football’s biggest prize.
Ronaldo bows out as one of the game’s greatest players, having become the first footballer to score in five different World Cup tournaments and leaving an enduring legacy in international football.
In the other Round of 16 clash, Belgium produced an attacking masterclass to defeat the United States 4-1. Loïs Openda opened the scoring before Charles De Ketelaere struck twice to put the Red Devils firmly in control. The United States briefly reduced the deficit through Damion Downs, but veteran striker Romelu Lukaku completed the rout with Belgium’s fourth goal.
The results set up a blockbuster quarter-final showdown between Spain and Belgium, while France will face Morocco and England take on Norway.
Attention now turns to Tuesday’s final Round of 16 fixtures as Argentina face Egypt, before Switzerland battle Colombia. The winners of both matches will meet in the quarter-finals to complete the last-eight lineup.
