Spain beat Portugal with late goal to book quarter-final against Belgium
Defeat means Cristiano Ronaldo will end career without World Cup title after 41-year-old said this would be his final World Cup
Get Involved: Does failure to win World Cup in his career affect Ronaldo's legacy?
Co-hosts United States knocked out of World Cup 2026 after 4-1 defeat by Belgium
Folarin Balogun plays 92 minutes of loss after having his automatic one-match ban suspended by Fifa on eve of match
Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin says side were fuelled by "sense of injustice" over Balogun's overturned red card
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The man was a passenger, a virtual non-combatant when the team needed to fight for an equalizer. Can't blame him for wanting the opportunity, but a bit of self reflection and a doze of humility would have helped the team more if he had chosen an off field spectator role.
Jim, Durham
Portugal 0-1 Spain
Ronaldo's 19 touches against Spain were his second-fewest in a World Cup match he started.
Some 366 players touched the ball more times than Ronaldo at the 2026 World Cup despite him playing all bar nine minutes of Portugal's five games.
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How can anyone seriously feel this is legitimate. He has been the world’s best player five times, won everything many times over wherever he has gone, and the bitterness/jealousy in England about him is incredible!
James, Isle of Man
Portugal 0-1 Spain
Wayne Rooney
Former England striker on BBC One
Image source, Getty ImagesHe is a genius, a superstar. What he has given to football and millions of people is something very rare.
He will be disappointed because he believed he could win this tournament. But time gets us all.
I wouldn't put it past him playing for Portugal again because he has that mentality - but it's a sad day for football.
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While I appreciate the debate surrounding Ronaldo & Messi as who’s the best, personally I believe neither of them are the ‘greatest’. History’s littered with incredible players, Pele, Best, Maradona and Zidane to name a few. Maybe pristine pitches, a decline in tough tackling has helped them. Great players though.
Shane, Penzance
Portugal 0-1 Spain
How Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo didn't just dominate their era. They created one.
The popularity of former Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward Ronaldo and his long-term rival Lionel Messi have almost changed football fandom.
Many regards themselves as fans of either Ronaldo or Barcelona legend and former PSG forward Messi - rather than just supporting a club.
Their rivalry has been featured in a BBC iPlayer documentary this summer.
Neither group of fans will ever back down on their opinion in the debate on which one of the players is the greatest footballer of all time - if either is that.
But until 2022 the one thing held against both was that they had never won the World Cup - a trophy which the iconic Pele and Diego Maradona both lifted.
Messi won it in 2022 with Argentina in Qatar - removing that obstacle. And now Ronaldo will retire having never won it.
While both players are winding down their careers, with Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia and Messi in the United States with Inter Miami, there is no doubt Messi is still having the higher impact at this stage.
He is the joint top scorer with seven goals - matching the amount he scored in 2022. Ronaldo has four goals across those tournaments.
Portugal 0-1 Spain
Ronaldo has scored 11 goals across six World Cups, but there was symmetry to his tournament career.
Both his first and final World Cup goals came from the penalty spot.
First World Cup goal
Ronaldo opened his World Cup account against Iran at Germany 2006.
He sent Ebrahim Mirzapour the wrong way with a penalty.
Image source, Getty ImagesLast World Cup goal
Ronaldo's final World Cup goal came from the penalty spot against Croatia in the 2026 round of 32, leveling the match before Goncalo Ramos struck a stoppage-time winner in Portugal's 2-1 victory.
It was the 41-year-old's first and only World Cup knockout goal.
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I don’t think Ronaldo’s legacy is affected by not winning the World Cup. He has won the Euros and the Nations League (arguably equivalent to the World Cup). Anyway, being the greatest goal scorer of all time is more impressive than any World Cup win.
Adam, Ormskirk
Portugal 0-1 Spain
Chris Sutton
Former England forward on BBC Radio 5 Live
He's waddling around the field like a grandad, that's why Portugal are out.
Cristiano Ronaldo does nothing; he did nothing.
Goncalo Ramos played in the last 16 at the last World Cup and scored a hat-trick when the manager did have a bit of courage to leave Ronaldo out.
We're four years further on, Ronaldo is four years older and look what's happened.
What is Roberto Martinez doing? How can you pander to a player so much?
Portugal are out because of Roberto Martinez.
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Ronaldo will always be one of the best players in history. It is a shame his behaviour and self-centredness will tarnish some of the legacy he leaves behind.
Louis, London
Portugal 0-1 Spain
Should Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career be over, he'll finish with 11 goals and two assists across six tournaments.
Ten of those goals have come in the group stage, with his only knockout stage goal coming last week, when he scored a penalty against Croatia.
The closest he got to winning the World Cup was when Portugal reached the semi-finals in his first tournament in 2006.
Here is a list recapping Ronaldo's World Cup career:
Germany 2006
Image source, Getty ImagesSouth Africa 2010
Image source, Getty ImagesBrazil 2014
Image source, Getty ImagesRussia 2018
Image source, Getty ImagesQatar 2022
Image source, Getty ImagesWorld Cup 2026
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It has not affected his legacy. Since Eusebio, has there been anyone who has lifted an average team to achieve more than could be expected? He is a role model to kids and the fact that he’s still super fit and self disciplined is a testament to his professionalism.
Steve, Sydney
Portugal 0-1 Spain
Ronaldo has lifted three major trophies during his 23-year international career.
His greatest triumph came at Euro 2016, when Portugal defeated France to win their first major international title.
He also captained Portugal to Uefa Nations League glory in 2019 and 2025, adding two more international honours to his legacy.
Despite never winning a World Cup, he leaves Portugal as their most decorated player.
Portugal 0-1 Spain
It's the end of an era for Cristiano Ronaldo at the World Cup, but will this be the last time he plays for the Portugal national team?
Let's take a look back at Ronaldo's international career.
Portugal appearances: 233
Portugal goals: 146 (men's world record)
Portugal assists: 46
International debut: 20 August 2003 v Kazakhstan (friendly)
First goal for Portugal: 12 June 2004 v Greece (Euro 2004 group stage)
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Ronaldo's legacy is not defined by whether he won the World Cup, however his refusal to accept his own ability at the end of his career does affect how he is viewed.
Barry, Brisbane
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Ronaldo. CR7. The Goat?
The Portugal icon has kicked his last ball on football's biggest stage without ever managing to lead his nation to its ultimate prize.
We want to know what you think of Cristiano Ronaldo's legacy now that his World Cup career is over.
Does failing to win the World Cup taint the way he will be remembered? Or would you consider him a legend regardless? Will you miss him?
To get the debate going, send your thoughts in by clicking 'Get Involved' at the top of this page.
Cheers!
Portugal 0-1 Spain
Emlyn Begley
BBC Sport in Dallas
Image source, Getty ImagesOne of football's great careers will finish without the biggest prize after Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup match for Portugal ended with a 1-0 last-16 defeat by Spain.
He was in tears as his World Cup story ended in Dallas with Mikel Merino's injury-time winner sending their neighbours through.
The 41-year-old five-time Ballon d'Or winner, five-time Champions League winner and Euro 2016 champion has scored a world-record 976 goals for his clubs and country.
He has scored at a record six World Cups. But the closest he got to winning it was when Portugal reached the semi-finals in his first tournament in 2006.
He had already announced this would be his final World Cup - but said afterwards, "I will meet the family and take decisions with a calm head" when asked if he would keep playing for his country.
Whether Portugal would have had a better chance of winning this World Cup without the pressure to start Al-Nassr's Ronaldo in each game will remain open to debate.
Portugal 0-1 Spain
Spain are currently on a 35-game unbeaten streak in all competitions (26 wins, nine draws, no defeats).
That is tied for Spain's longest unbeaten run (in 2007-2009 and in 2018-2021).
Image source, Getty ImagesPortugal 0-1 Spain
Adwaidh Rajan
BBC Sport
Image source, Getty ImagesSpain's journey since their 2010 World Cup triumph has not exactly been smooth sailing.
Although they retained the European Championship in 2012, their subsequent World Cup campaigns have brought little joy as they suffered back-to-back group-stage exits before being eliminated in the first knockout round four years ago.
But now, returning to the tournament as reigning European champions, Spain have a squad that looks capable of returning them to the pinnacle of world football.
"It wasn't a great display but you feel there is so much more to come from Spain," said former England striker Chris Sutton on BBC Radio 5 Live.
"The fact that they are not conceding as well is ominous for other teams. Their toughest test will come against France if they both win their games.
"I think Spain are capable of beating France but they'll have to be near perfect on the day."
But before that, De La Fuente's side will look to keep their good run going when they meet Belgium in the quarter-finals on Friday.
Portugal 0-1 Spain
Spain's Unai Simon has now not conceded in 609 minutes at the World Cup dating back to the 2022 World Cup.
Simon is also the only goalkeeper at the 2026 World Cup to have a 100% save percentage (6 shots on goal, 6 saves).
Of goalkeepers with at least 500 minutes at a single World Cup, Unai Simon has the most saves in a single World Cup without conceding in the last 60 years.
Image source, Getty Images| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 9 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 4 |
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| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 |
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| 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 | -4 | 1 |
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| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
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| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 4 |
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| 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 10 | -8 | 1 |
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| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 7 |
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| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 3 |
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| 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 8 | -6 | 0 |
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| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
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| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 4 |
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| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 3 |
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| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 6 |
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| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 6 |
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| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 9 | -8 | 1 |
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| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 7 |
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| 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
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| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 4 |
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| 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 12 | -10 | 0 |
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| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
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| 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
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| 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
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| 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 10 | -6 | 1 |
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| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 7 |
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| 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
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| 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 2 |
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| 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 2 |
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| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 2 | 8 | 9 |
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| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 6 |
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| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 3 |
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| 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 12 | -11 | 0 |
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| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 7 | 9 |
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| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 4 |
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| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 7 | -2 | 4 |
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| 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 8 | -5 | 0 |
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| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 7 |
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| 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 5 |
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| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
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| 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 11 | -9 | 0 |
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| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 7 |
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| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 6 |
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| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
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| 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 4 | -4 | 0 |
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| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
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| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 4 |
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| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
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| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
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| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 4 |
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| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 7 | -2 | 4 |
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| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 4 |
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| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 3 |
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| 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
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| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 |
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| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 3 |
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| 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 2 |
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