Portugal’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign came to a heartbreaking end after a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16, bringing the curtain down on Cristiano Ronaldo‘s illustrious World Cup career. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s dream of lifting football’s biggest trophy ended without a World Cup title. Following Portugal’s exit, India pacer Mohammed Siraj, an ardent admirer of Ronaldo, shared an emotional tribute to his idol on Instagram.Ronaldo walked off the pitch after what turned out to be his final World Cup appearance with a composed expression, briefly acknowledging the Portuguese supporters with a wave. While visibly disappointed, the 41-year-old accepted the result with grace.“Sad, it’s normal after being eliminated like this,” Ronaldo said after the match.“I’ve given everything, I’ve given my best, and I leave with a clear conscience. This is football, this is the life of a footballer. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.”After the exit, Siraj wrote emotional tribute for him,“No matter what happened today, you will always be my inspiration, Cristiano. A single game can never define your greatness. Thank you for inspiring millions around the world,” Siraj wrote on his Instagram Story.
Spain knock out Portugal to reach quarterfinals
Spain sealed their place in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The fiercely contested Iberian derby appeared destined for extra time before Spain struck in the first minute of stoppage time. Substitute Mikel Merino caught the Portuguese defence off guard by taking a quick free-kick before racing into the penalty area to meet Ferran Torres’ return pass and calmly finish past the goalkeeper in the 91st minute.The victory sent Spain into the last eight while extending their remarkable defensive run, as they recorded a sixth consecutive clean sheet in the tournament. For Portugal, however, the defeat marked the end of their World Cup journey and the final chapter of Cristiano Ronaldo’s storied career on football’s biggest stage.
