Spain booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after substitute Mikel Merino scored a dramatic late winner in a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Belgium in their quarter-final clash at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Merino, who also came off the bench to score the decisive goal in Spain’s Round of 16 win over Portugal, struck in the 88th minute to keep Spain’s title dream alive and set up a blockbuster semi-final against France in Dallas on Tuesday.
The winning goal came after Belgian substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold Pau Cubarsi’s low effort, allowing Merino to react quickest and fire the rebound into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the Spanish supporters.
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Spain have now reached the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since their triumphant 2010 campaign in South Africa.
Fabian Ruiz gave Spain the lead in the 30th minute after reacting quickest to a save from Thibaut Courtois, drilling the loose ball through the legs of defender Timothy Castagne.
Belgium responded strongly and drew level in the 41st minute when Charles De Ketelaere met Castagne’s pinpoint cross with a well-placed header beyond goalkeeper Unai Simón. It was the first goal Spain had conceded in the tournament.
The second half saw Spain dominate possession and pile pressure on Belgium’s defence, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal proving a constant threat down the flanks.
Belgium suffered another setback when first-choice goalkeeper Courtois was forced off through injury after the break, leaving Lammens to take over between the posts.
The substitute keeper’s late error ultimately proved costly.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente’s decision to start Ruiz ahead of Pedri paid off, with the midfielder opening the scoring before making way early in the second half.
Belgium also entered the contest with injury concerns.
Captain Youri Tielemans withdrew during the warm-up and was replaced in the starting lineup by Hans Vanaken, while midfielder Amadou Onana missed the match after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the previous round against the United States.
Despite late pressure from experienced stars Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, Belgium were unable to find another equaliser as Spain held on to secure a memorable victory.
Spain will now face France in the semi-finals as they continue their pursuit of a second FIFA World Cup title.
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