Portugal’s FIFA World Cup 2026 journey ended in heartbreaking fashion on July 6 when Spain secured a 1-0 victory in the Round of 16. The winning goal came deep into stoppage time, leaving Portuguese players and fans stunned. Among those struggling to accept the result was IShowSpeed, one of Cristiano Ronaldo’s most devoted supporters. The streamer watched Portugal’s dream collapse in the final moments and became emotional almost immediately after the final whistle. For Speed, the defeat was especially painful because it also brought an end to Ronaldo’s World Cup career.
Mikel Merino’s late goal ends Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal’s World Cup campaign
The match at AT&T Stadium in Dallas remained tense for nearly the entire 90 minutes. Spain controlled large stretches of possession, while Portugal looked for chances to break through on the counterattack.Cristiano Ronaldo came close to making a difference for Portugal, but Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón produced an important save to keep the score level. With extra time appearing increasingly likely, both teams continued searching for a breakthrough. That breakthrough arrived in stoppage time.Ferran Torres helped create the move before substitute Mikel Merino found the net in the 90th minute plus added time. Spain’s players celebrated wildly, knowing the goal had secured a place in the quarter-finals. For Portugal, there was no time left to respond.The result closed the curtain on Ronaldo’s World Cup story. The 41-year-old entered the tournament hoping to add the one major trophy missing from his collection, but Spain’s late winner ended that dream. Spain moved on, while Portugal headed home after another painful knockout defeat.
IShowSpeed shares emotional message after Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup exit
Few internet personalities have shown their support for Ronaldo as openly as IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr. Over the years, he has built much of his football content around the Portuguese star. From celebrating goals with his famous “Siuuu” chant to travelling for matches and reacting live to major moments, Speed has never hidden how much Ronaldo means to him.Portugal’s elimination clearly hit him hard. As the reality of the defeat sank in, Speed became emotional while speaking about the result. His disappointment was clear as he reflected on how strongly he believed Portugal could lift the trophy.“I thought they were gonna win it all… I swear to God, wallahi… I prayed… my prayers weren’t answered,” he said.The comments captured the feelings he had carried throughout the tournament. He had repeatedly backed Portugal and often spoke about wanting to see Ronaldo finish his World Cup career with a title.After the match, Speed also posted a tribute to the Portuguese captain. “ronaldo still a goat no matter what 💔🥹 thank you for everything.” The message showed that the result had not changed his view of Ronaldo’s legacy.This was not the first time Speed had been emotional after a major Portugal defeat. He also reacted strongly when Portugal exited Euro 2024, showing once again how personally he experiences Ronaldo’s biggest football moments.For Speed, Spain’s winner was more than a late goal. It ended a tournament he believed could become Ronaldo’s greatest final chapter on the World Cup stage.