Merino sinks Portugal, Belgium quarter-final awaits

Merino kills Ronaldo's last dance

Spain 1–0 Portugal and into the quarter-finals. Mikel Merino came off the bench and scored in added time to knock Cristiano Ronaldo out of his final World Cup (6). Portugal are done. Bruno Fernandes could barely speak afterwards: "There's no point in talking about it now because we're out of the World Cup, but it was a missed opportunity" (7). Ronaldo's international story ends against your team. No fairytale.

Belgium next, Oliver with the whistle

Your quarter-final is against Belgium. Michael Oliver has been appointed referee (2). Spain have not lost in seven matches with Oliver in charge, something Madrid fans might eye warily given his history of controversy in LaLiga (2). Belgium will be without Amadou Onana. The midfielder suffered an ACL injury, a heavy blow for them three days before the match (8). Spain could also recover a key player in time for the quarter-final (11).

Real Madrid watching Fabián Ruiz

Real Madrid are monitoring Fabián Ruiz ahead of a potential summer move (3). The PSG midfielder has drawn interest while at the World Cup, though any deal would need to account for competition with Dani Ceballos and Eduardo Camavinga (3). Separately, debate is brewing around whether Rodri fits at the Bernabéu (4).

Spain U19 women reach the final

Spain U19 Women are through to the U-19 Euro final after beating Sweden in the semi-final (9) (13). Sweden coach Pär Lagerström was blunt: they ran into a better team (9).

Spain U19 men face Croatia Wednesday

Spain U19 men play Croatia U19 Wednesday in the U19 Euro semi-final. Paco Gallardo's side features talents like Sergio Esteban, Ousmane Diallo, and Quim Junyent (10). A place in the final is on the line.

Quick hits

Betis have signed Facundo Bernal from Fluminense for around €9m, replacing Sergi Altimira (5). The Uruguayan midfielder arrived talking big: "Vamos a pelear cosas importantes" (5). Íñigo Martínez has shut down rumours about a return to LaLiga (12).

Fan reactions

Spain supporters are pointing to a stat that speaks volumes: your team are the only side at the 2026 World Cup yet to concede a goal. The comparison to 2010 is inevitable, two goals conceded across that entire tournament. Fans also note the quarter-final bracket splits neatly between former winners and the rest, France vs Morocco, England vs Norway, Argentina vs Colombia, Spain vs Belgium. The community thread has the full discussion.