Magic World Cup 2026 moments: Merino's last-gasp heroics

Merino's knockout blowsMerino's knockout blows

Relive the Spain star's decisive late strikes against Portugal and Belgium. Relive the Spain star's decisive late strikes against Portugal and Belgium.

Relive the Spain star's dramatic winning goals in La Roja's knockout-stage victories over Portugal and Belgium.

The biggest FIFA World Cup™ in history produced pulsating matches, spectacular goals and record-breaking performances. Here, we reflect on the most memorable moments from the greatest show on earth.

Spain's style, poise and technical brilliance dazzled during their run to World Cup glory, but they also had to dig deep into their reserves of resilience on occasion.

No player personified La Roja's indefatigable spirit more than Mikel Merino. Spain's last-16 showdown with Portugal was goalless and on a knife-edge when he entered proceedings as an 85th-minute substitute. When it looked as if the tie was headed for extra time, Merino alighted on a Ferran Torres through pass before arrowing home a dramatic winner. Just six minutes had passed between the Arsenal star's introduction and his goal.

Belgium were next up in the quarter-finals and, yet again, Luis de la Fuente's men were level when Merino was brought on in the 86th minute. This time, he needed just 117 seconds to make a decisive impact. Pau Cubarsi's shot was parried by Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens, and Merino was on the rebound in a flash to hammer a finish into the roof of the net.

They'd left it late again, but Merino and Spain had taken another step towards the promised land.