Cristiano Ronaldo’s last World Cup appearance ended in disappointment as Portugal lost 1–0 to Spain. Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal late in the match, giving Spain a place in the quarter-finals.

The result brought Portugal’s tournament to an end, while Spain moved one step closer to the later stages of the competition. According to HBL, Ronaldo said farewell in a match that carried unusual emotional weight for the Portuguese star.

The defeat closes a major chapter in World Cup history, with Ronaldo leaving the tournament stage after a career that drew global attention for years. For Spain, the win was a crucial advance; for Portugal, it was a painful exit.