Mikel Merino Scores Late Winner, Credits San Fermin Luck

**Mikel Merino** delivered a 91st‑minute strike on 7 July 2026, sending Spain through the World Cup round of 16 by beating Portugal 1‑0 and attributing his timing to the San Fermin festivities.

In the Round of 16 clash in Dallas, Spain faced a Portugal side led by 41‑year‑old Cristiano Ronaldo. The match stayed deadlocked until stoppage time when Merino, a midfielder for Arsenal, found the net at minute 91. The goal sealed a 1‑0 win, ending Ronaldo’s World Cup run without a trophy.

After the match, Merino appeared in a video posted on Spain Football’s official Instagram. He laughed, saying the San Fermin festival-celebrated from 6 to 14 July in Pamplona-“protects me or something” and that he always feels lucky around the 6th of the month. He added that scoring such moments feels like a habit, but credited his teammates for the build‑up.

The San Fermin celebration is famed for its street parties, music and the Running of the Bulls. By tying his decisive goal to the festival, Merino gave Spanish supporters a cultural hook that blends sport with tradition. This narrative fuels fan enthusiasm and creates a memorable storyline for future World Cup coverage.

Spain now awaits the winner of the United States‑Belgium last‑16 encounter, scheduled for later this week. With Merino’s late heroics fresh in the squad’s memory, the team heads into the quarter‑finals confident they can rely on moments of individual brilliance when the stakes are highest.

Scoring a knockout‑stage goal at a World Cup often raises a player’s profile. Merino, already a regular for Arsenal and Spain, may see increased interest from clubs and sponsors. The combination of a high‑pressure goal and a cultural narrative could also boost his marketability across Spain and beyond.