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Spain booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring a late winner in Friday’s quarter-final at Los Angeles Stadium.
The European champions dominated large spells of the contest but had to wait until the closing minutes to secure victory after Belgium pushed them all the way in a fiercely contested encounter.
Fabián Ruiz handed Spain the lead in the 30th minute after controlling possession for much of the first half. However, Belgium responded against the run of play when Charles De Ketelaere powered home a header in the 41st minute from Timothy Castagne’s cross to send both sides into the break level at 1-1.
Spain resumed the second half on the front foot, creating several openings but failing to find a breakthrough against Belgium’s determined defence. The match eventually turned in the 88th minute when substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled a shot into the path of Merino, who reacted quickest to fire home the winner and send Spain into the last four.
The victory means Spain have reached the World Cup semi-finals for only the second time in their history, having previously done so in 2010 when they went on to lift the trophy. They will now face France in Tuesday’s blockbuster semi-final.
Belgium’s hopes suffered a setback after first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off through injury, leaving Lammens to replace him before the error that proved decisive.
Spain will now attempt to move one step closer to a second World Cup title when they face France, while Belgium exit the tournament after falling just minutes short of forcing extra time.
