Spain Defeats Belgium 2-1 to Reach 2026 World Cup Semi-Finals
Mikel Merino produced another late heroics as Spain edged Belgium 2-1 in Los Angeles, sealing a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi‑finals.
The Arsenal midfielder, who had already netted a stoppage‑time winner against Portugal in the round of 16, repeated the feat with an 88th‑minute strike just 117 seconds after coming off the bench.
With the scores level at 1-1 and extra time appearing imminent, Pau Cubarsi’s long‑range effort slipped past substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Merino pounced on the rebound and hammered the ball into the roof of the net from close range.
Spain had taken the lead in the 30th minute through a swift move involving Pedro Porro and Lamine Yamal. Thibaut Courtois saved Dani Olmo’s initial attempt, but Fabian Ruiz reacted fastest to slot the loose ball through the legs of Timothy Castagne for the opener.
Belgium levelled before halftime as Charles De Ketelaere outjumped Cubarsi to power home Castagne’s cross, ending Spain’s impressive run of 649 minutes without conceding in the tournament.
The visitors appealed for a penalty early in the second half after Aymeric Laporte’s header struck Rodri’s arm inside the box, but the referee waved play on. Spain also threatened through Mikel Oyarzabal, whose effort was denied by Courtois.
The match’s turning point arrived in the 71st minute when Courtois appeared to suffer a muscle injury and left the pitch in tears. Manchester United’s Senne Lammens replaced him for only his third senior international cap, but his costly error moments later gifted Spain the winning goal.
The triumph sends Luis de la Fuente’s European champions into the semi‑finals, where they will face France in Dallas on Tuesday, 14 July, with a berth in the World Cup final at stake.
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