With the score poised at 0-0 in the first half of extra-time, the Spanish winger thought he'd won it when he slotted a side-footed effort under Emi Martinez.

Nico Williams anotaba el gol que le daba la ventaja a los hispanos en el primer tiempo extra. Sin embargo, se acabó anulando por un supuesto pisotón de Merino sobre Otamendi.

Spain's 2026 World Cup goal was disallowed after Mikel Merino fouled Nicolás Otamendi, reigniting debates over officiating in high-stakes knockout football.