Spain Survive Belgium Test to Book Semi-Final Spot Against France

Spain booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium, with Mikel Merino once again emerging as the hero by scoring a late winner that kept La Roja’s title hopes alive.

The quarter-final at Los Angeles Stadium was evenly contested from the outset, with Spain enjoying more possession while Belgium looked dangerous on the counterattack. Spain finally broke the deadlock in the 30th minute when Fabián Ruiz finished from close range after sustained pressure in the Belgian penalty area.

Belgium responded positively and drew level before halftime through Charles De Ketelaere, whose well-taken header beat goalkeeper Unai Simón to score the first goal Spain had conceded during the tournament. The equalizer ended Simón’s remarkable World Cup shutout streak and gave Belgium renewed confidence heading into the second half.

The second half developed into a tense tactical battle, with both sides creating opportunities but struggling to find a breakthrough. Belgium suffered a setback when first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with an injury, bringing Senne Lammens into the match.

Spain’s persistence was rewarded in the 88th minute when substitute Mikel Merino capitalized on a spilled save by Lammens to fire home the decisive goal. The strike marked Merino’s second consecutive knockout-stage winner after his dramatic goal against Portugal in the Round of 16, further cementing his reputation as Spain’s impact substitute.

Belgium pressed desperately for another equalizer during stoppage time, with Romelu Lukaku coming close, but Spain’s defense held firm to secure a place among the tournament’s final four.

After the match, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised the depth of his squad, highlighting Merino’s ability to influence games from the bench. He said every player had embraced their role, describing the team’s unity and collective spirit as one of its greatest strengths throughout the tournament.

Merino also made World Cup history by becoming the first player to score winning goals as a substitute in two separate knockout matches, underlining his growing importance to Spain’s campaign.

Spain will now face France in a blockbuster semi-final, renewing one of European football’s biggest rivalries. France reached the last four after defeating Morocco 2-0, setting up a clash between two of the tournament favorites for a place in the World Cup final.

For Belgium, the defeat ends another promising World Cup campaign despite an impressive run to the quarter-finals. While the Red Devils showed resilience throughout the match, Spain’s composure and Merino’s late intervention proved decisive.