Mikel Merino, the stoppage-time hero: the goals that pushed Spain to the title
Every feat has its unexpected heroes, and Spain's at the 2026 World Cup was named Mikel Merino. The midfielder popped up in stoppage time to settle two key ties —the 1-0 over Portugal on 90+1 and the 2-1 against Belgium on 88— two goals that proved decisive on La Roja's road to their second star. We review the golden impact sub.
In major tournaments, the difference between glory and elimination is sometimes made by a player who appears when nobody expects him. For Spain, at the 2026 World Cup, that player was Mikel Merino. The midfielder became the perfect impact sub, the man who settled games in the final minutes, when legs tire and a goal is worth a tournament.
His masterpiece had two chapters. The first, in the round of 16 against Portugal: with the game level and heading for extra time, Merino popped up in the 90+1 minute to score the 1-0 that sent Spain into the quarters at the death, in the tensest Iberian derby of the championship. The second, in the quarters against Belgium: with the tie open, he appeared again on 88 minutes to settle the 2-1 and, once more, play the hero.
Two goals, two ties settled, a pattern that made Merino one of the title's quiet figures. In a team full of stars, his ability to appear at the right moment was a decisive weapon in Luis de la Fuente's hands, who knew when to send him on.
Merino did not take the big individual awards, but his name will forever be linked to Spain's second star. Stoppage-time heroes have that gift: appearing when they are needed most. See his profile and Spain's road to the title on our site.