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Why Portugal Was Eliminated from the 2026 World Cup

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Portugal was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after a 0-1 loss to Spain in the Round of 16.
  • Coach Roberto Martinez cited a lack of luck and missed opportunities as reasons for the defeat.
  • The loss marked the likely end of Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career.

Portugal's World Cup 2026 journey ended in heartbreak as they suffered a 0-1 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16. A dramatic injury-time goal by Mikel Merino sealed Portugal's fate, while Spain advanced to the quarterfinals.

Maybe we were just a little unlucky. Luck was not on our side today, but this was a very balanced match.

— Roberto MartinezThe Portugal coach commented on the team's performance and the reasons for their elimination after the match against Spain.

Coach Roberto Martinez lamented his team's misfortune, describing the match as highly balanced and suggesting Portugal deserved to go to extra time. "Maybe we were just a little unlucky. Luck was not on our side today, but this was a very balanced match," Martinez stated, as quoted by FIFA's official website. He also regretted missed chances, including a first-half shot by Nuno Mendes that hit the post.

We gave our all. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to win the match. This is one of the most balanced games we've had against Spain, at least since I've been here.

— Ruben DiasThe Portugal defender expressed his disappointment following the team's exit from the World Cup.

Defender Ruben Dias echoed the coach's disappointment, acknowledging that despite giving their best, it wasn't enough. "We gave our all. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to win the match. This is one of the most balanced games we've had against Spain, at least since I've been here," Dias told Sport TV, according to A Bola. He noted that while both teams had opportunities, Spain capitalized on the decisive moment.

When everyone started thinking the match would go to extra time. Both teams are deadly if given a chance. Unfortunately, luck was not on our side.

— Ruben DiasDias reflected on the timing of Spain's winning goal and the role of luck in the match.

The loss signifies the likely conclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career. Dias, however, believes Portugal showed development throughout the tournament, acknowledging they were eliminated by a strong contender. "We lost to a very strong team, perhaps one of the favorites to win the World Cup. We leave this tournament with the feeling that we could have achieved a better result," he added.

We lost to a very strong team, perhaps one of the favorites to win the World Cup. We leave this tournament with the feeling that we could have achieved a better result.

— Ruben DiasThe defender offered his perspective on the team's performance and the caliber of the opponent they faced.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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