Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente stressed that Spain feel relaxed about any future rival at the 2026 World Cup after a tense 1-0 success over Portugal in the last 16. Substitute Mikel Merino struck in the 91st minute at Dallas Stadium, sending the European champions into the quarter-finals and adding another late twist to a tournament already filled with stoppage-time drama.
The winning goal arrived after a cagey contest where Portugal pressed for long spells, yet Spain stayed patient and claimed another narrow World Cup victory. It was Spain’s 11th 1-0 win in the tournament’s history, a tally now behind only Germany, on 17, and Brazil, on 13, in that specific scoreline category.
Merino’s decisive strike deep into added time was the 10th last-minute winner, defined as scored in the 90th minute or later, at the 2026 World Cup. That figure sets a new record for any single edition of the competition. Merino also delivered Spain’s second 90th-minute World Cup winner ever, following Peiro’s goal against Mexico back in 1962.
10 – There have now been 10 last minute winners (90th or 120th) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the outright most in a single edition of the competition. Hydration. pic.twitter.com/6GbODOT5EtOptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 6, 2026">
La Roja now prepare for a quarter-final against either the United States or Belgium, with De la Fuente dismissing any concern about which team advances. "It was truly a fantastic game, a final before the final, and, as expected, we suffered until the very end, said the Spain boss." The coach underlined that tournament survival mattered more than the identity of the next challenger.
De la Fuente highlighted Spain's mindset and belief after edging past a strong Portugal side. "At this stage, we don't care who we face, we're happy to be in the quarter-finals and we're going to give it our all until the end." The head coach described a squad sure of its abilities and ready for more demanding matches.
The Spain boss also pointed to qualities that, in his view, could trouble any opponent in the 2026 World Cup. "We have many qualities that will make our opponents think we're the team to beat." De la Fuente repeated Spain's inner belief. "We have a lot of confidence in ourselves, we're very sure of ourselves, and we'll give our best until the very last moment."
Spain's coach further warned that rivals must outperform La Roja to send them home. "Our opponents will have to beat us." De la Fuente added that Spain hold favourable traits compared with other contenders. "I think we have many advantages that will make our opponents think the same way." The message reinforced Spain's status as serious World Cup contenders.
For Merino, the winning goal capped a difficult journey to the 2026 World Cup after a foot injury had put tournament participation at risk. The midfielder, who plays for Arsenal, became the fifth different Arsenal player to score at this World Cup, setting a club record for the most individual scorers from the same team in one edition.
Merino reflected on the sharp emotional contrast from injury concern to World Cup impact. "Life has its ups and downs, good times and bad. When they told me about the injury, I thought I wouldn't be at the World Cup and here we are, Merino told La 1. You never get used to having these joys. Such a beautiful match and to give this joy to the people in their homes." The late goal strengthened Spain's momentum heading into the quarter-finals.
Story first published: Tuesday, July 7, 2026, 4:23 [IST]
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