Portugal’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign came to a heartbreaking end after a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the round of 16, bringing the curtain down. Cristiano Ronaldoillustrious World Cup career. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s dream of lifting football’s biggest trophy ended without a World Cup title. After Portugal’s exit, Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj, an ardent admirer of Ronaldo, shared an emotional tribute to his idol on Instagram.Ronaldo walked off the pitch after his final World Cup appearance with a composed expression, briefly acknowledging the Portuguese supporters with a wave. While he was visibly disappointed, the 41-year-old accepted the result with grace.“Sad, it’s normal after being eliminated like that,” Ronaldo said after the match.“I gave everything, I gave 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 an emotional tribute to 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 eliminated Portugal to reach the quarter-finals
Spain sealed their place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup with a dramatic 1-0 win over Portugal at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The fiercely contested Iberian derby looked destined for extra time before Spain struck in the first minute of stoppage time. Substitute Mikel Merino caught the Portuguese defense 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 keeper in the 91st minute.The win sent Spain into the last eight as they extended their amazing 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 in the story of Cristiano Ronaldo’s career on football’s biggest stage.