Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal have been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a Round of 16 defeat by Spain. The loss ends Portugal’s run and brings a premature close to Ronaldo’s final World Cup campaign.
Quick facts
Portugal were knocked out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the Round of 16.
Spain won the match and advanced.
Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in the 90th minute.
Ronaldo’s appearance at this World Cup was his last.
Spain will play in the quarterfinals against either the USA or Belgium.
The match itself was tightly contested, with both teams holding firm and limiting clear-cut chances. The breakthrough arrived late as Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino found the winner in the 90th minute to send Spain through.
Before the tournament, Ronaldo made it clear this would be his final World Cup. At 41 years old, he leaves the competition without adding the trophy to his record.
With Portugal out, attention now turns to Spain’s next assignment. They will take on either the USA or Belgium in the quarterfinals, after the winner of that matchup is decided.
Zibuyile began her media journey as a sales intern at Mediamark (Kagiso Media) before moving into digital content creation for ZAlebs.com. Over four years, she helped evolve the platform from a simple blog into one of South Africa’s leading independent entertainment news sites.
Following ZAlebs’ transition to Celebrity Worx in 2016, Zibuyile was promoted to Executive Editor, recognized for her sharp audience insight and ability to match editorial with branded content. Highlights of her time include a Bookmark Award nomination, judging TLC’s Next Great Presenter, reporting from the MTV EMAs, and building partnerships with radio stations like YFM, Cliff Central, and Good Hope FM.
Her editorial work also expanded to include fast-growing digital verticals—such as lifestyle tech, online entertainment, and gambling-related content—tailored to evolving reader interests and brand opportunities.
