WATCH: Emotional Scenes As Cristiano Ronaldo Cries After FIFA World Cup Exit

Ronaldo FIFA World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo’s FIFA World Cup career came to a painful conclusion as Portugal crashed out of the 2026 edition following a dramatic 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16. The decisive moment arrived deep into second-half stoppage time when substitute Mikel Merino found the net, sending La Roja into the quarter-finals and ending Selecao’s title hopes in heartbreaking fashion. ‘CR7’ was visibly overcome, with tears in his eyes as the magnitude of the defeat sank in. Videos of the Portugal captain’s emotional reaction rapidly spread across social media. Check it out:

Last time Cristiano Ronaldo on field

Well very impressive journey CR🔥 pic.twitter.com/98rJZq9Wpy

— U.S TROOPS🇺🇲 (@Ustroopss) July 6, 2026

Read More: Ronaldo Out! Spain’s Late Goal Ends Portugal’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Dream

Ronaldo’s World Cup Journey Ends In Tears

Portugal had battled throughout a tense knockout contest and appeared destined to force extra time before Spain produced one final decisive attack.

Merino’s stoppage-time strike proved enough to separate the two sides, leaving Portugal with no opportunity to respond.

As Spain celebrated qualification for the quarter-finals, Ronaldo stood devastated on the pitch before becoming emotional following the final whistle.

The 41-year-old had already confirmed before the match that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be his final appearance at football’s biggest tournament. His World Cup career, which began in 2006, came to an end after six editions of the competition.

Spain March Into Quarter-Finals

Spain’s victory secured their place in the last eight for the first time since they lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy in South Africa in 2010.

Luis de la Fuente’s side will now travel to Los Angeles for a quarter-final clash against either the United States or Belgium as they continue their pursuit of a second world title.

For Portugal, the defeat ended hopes of reaching back-to-back FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in the country’s history. Despite creating chances during a closely fought contest, they were ultimately undone by Merino’s late intervention.

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