My First World Cup Match: Spain vs. Portugal in Arlington and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Emotional Farewell

By Ana Cruz - Founder & Chief Editor

Attending my first FIFA World Cup match was about much more than soccer. It was an opportunity to fulfill a dream for my son, Caleb, create a memory together and witness the emotional conclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career. On July 6, 2026, we attended the Round of 16 match between Spain and Portugal at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Spain won 1-0, eliminating Portugal and ending Ronaldo’s final World Cup campaign.

Watching Spain Begin Its Journey to the World Cup Final

At the time, Caleb and I were simply celebrating Spain’s victory over Portugal. We did not yet know how far the team would go.

That match became part of Spain’s journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final. Spain later defeated France 2-0 in Arlington to secure its place in the championship match against Argentina.

On July 19, 2026, Spain and Argentina met at New York New Jersey Stadium for the 104th and final match of the expanded 48-team tournament.

Knowing that we witnessed part of Spain’s road to the final made our experience even more meaningful. Caleb did not just attend his first World Cup game or watch his favorite national team win. He saw Spain take another step toward competing for the most important trophy in soccer.

Deciding Whether the Cost Was Worth It

I will be honest. I thought about the decision many times before purchasing the tickets.

World Cup tickets are expensive, especially for a knockout-stage match featuring two of Europe’s strongest national teams. Once you add transportation, parking, food and other expenses, attending a game can become a significant financial commitment.

But I kept asking myself one question: When will we have another opportunity to experience a World Cup in Dallas?

The answer was simple. We did not know.

We often spend money on things that do not bring lasting value into our lives. Small daily purchases can feel insignificant, but when we review our bank statements, we realize how quickly they accumulate. I decided that instead of spending that money little by little on things we would eventually forget, I wanted to invest it in a memory my son and I could carry with us forever.

I have always tried to build my life around experiences, memories and meaningful moments with the people I love most. I am not someone who enjoys buying unnecessary possessions. Things can break, lose their value or eventually end up forgotten in a closet. Experiences become part of our story.

This match became part of ours.

A Historic Match in Arlington

The announced attendance was 70,649, making the match an official sellout. From the moment the players entered the field, the energy inside the stadium was electric.

This was not simply another elimination game. It was also Cristiano Ronaldo’s sixth and final World Cup. Before facing Spain, Ronaldo confirmed that the 2026 tournament would be his last appearance on soccer’s biggest international stage.

During the tournament, he also became the first male player to score in six different World Cups, adding another historic accomplishment to an extraordinary career.

Watching him walk off the field was deeply emotional. He paused for a few moments to take in the stadium, looking around as if he were trying to hold on to every detail. From where I was sitting, I could see the emotion on his face and what appeared to be tears in his eyes. Ronaldo has inspired millions of people around the world including me, through his talent, discipline, work ethic and determination.

Why Attending May Not Be Right for Everyone

The experience is incredible, but it is important to consider the practical challenges.

Tickets can be extremely expensive, particularly for knockout matches or games featuring famous players and national teams. Parking, transportation, food and merchandise can increase the total cost. Large crowds also mean long lines, traffic delays and significant walking.

The summer heat in North Texas can make arriving at the stadium uncomfortable, especially for young children, older adults or anyone with health concerns. Families should plan carefully, arrive early, stay hydrated and review the stadium’s bag and security policies before leaving home.

There is also no guarantee that your favorite team will win or that a specific player will participate for the entire match. Injuries, coaching decisions and unexpected results are part of the sport.

For someone experiencing financial stress or taking on debt to attend, the cost may outweigh the enjoyment. A World Cup watch party with family and friends can still create a meaningful and exciting memory.

But for those who can responsibly afford it and value experiences over material things, attending a World Cup match can be worth every dollar.

Things can fill our homes, but experiences become part of our family’s story. Attending Spain vs. Portugal allowed Caleb to watch his favorite national team win, gave me the opportunity to see Cristiano Ronaldo in his final World Cup and created a mother-and-son memory that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.

It was supposed to be Caleb’s 17th birthday present, but it became a gift for both of us.

Some purchases are eventually forgotten.

The moments we share with the people we love can last forever.