Spain booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday, 10 July.
Mikel Merino was once again Spain’s knockout-stage hero, scoring the winning goal in the 88th minute after Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold a long-range effort from Pau Cubarsí.
The result sends Spain into a blockbuster semi-final against France, while Belgium’s promising World Cup campaign ends in painful fashion.
Spain Take Control in Los Angeles
Spain entered the quarter-final as one of the tournament favourites and immediately attempted to control possession. Their midfielders moved the ball patiently, while Lamine Yamal provided a constant attacking threat from the right wing.
Belgium remained disciplined during the opening exchanges and looked dangerous whenever they broke forward. However, Spain’s pressure eventually produced the opening goal in the 30th minute.
Fabián Ruiz reacted quickly after Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made an initial save, firing the loose ball into the net to put Spain ahead. It was an important contribution from Ruiz, who played a major role in Spain’s midfield throughout the contest.
Spain appeared to be taking control, but Belgium refused to allow the match to drift away from them.
De Ketelaere Brings Belgium Level
Belgium equalised in the 41st minute through Charles De Ketelaere. Timothy Castagne delivered an excellent cross into the penalty area, and De Ketelaere directed a well-placed header beyond Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón.
The goal was particularly significant because it was the first Spain had conceded during the tournament. Belgium’s equaliser also ensured the teams went into the half-time break level at 1-1.
Spain continued to dominate possession after the restart, but Belgium defended with determination. Kevin De Bruyne attempted to influence the match from midfield, while Romelu Lukaku provided a powerful target in attack.
Belgium’s hopes suffered a major setback when Courtois sustained an injury during the second half. The experienced goalkeeper tried to continue but was eventually replaced by Lammens.
The change would prove decisive during the closing stages.
Merino Delivers Another Late Winner
With extra time approaching, Spain increased the pressure. Nico Williams and Pedri were introduced from the bench as Spain searched for a way through Belgium’s organised defensive structure.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 88th minute.
Cubarsí sent a long-range effort towards goal, but Lammens failed to secure the ball. Merino reacted faster than the Belgian defenders and converted the rebound with his first touch to make the score 2-1.
It was another huge moment for the Spanish substitute. Merino had also scored the decisive goal in Spain’s Round of 16 victory over Portugal four days earlier.
Belgium pushed forward during the remaining minutes and nearly found another equaliser through Lukaku. Spain’s defence survived the late pressure, however, and the final whistle confirmed their passage into the last four.
Belgium’s Brave Campaign Comes to an End
Belgium can take pride from their performance despite the defeat. Rudi Garcia’s team faced several injury problems, with Youri Tielemans withdrawing during the warm-up and Amadou Onana already unavailable after suffering a serious injury against the United States.
Losing Courtois during such an important match placed Belgium under even greater pressure. The Red Devils still competed strongly and caused Spain more problems than any of their previous opponents at the tournament.
De Ketelaere’s goal and the team’s disciplined defensive display demonstrated that Belgium still possess enough quality to compete with the world’s strongest national sides.
Spain Set Up Semi-final Against France
Spain’s victory takes them into their first World Cup semi-final since winning the competition in South Africa in 2010. They will now meet France in Arlington, Texas, in what promises to be one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
Spain will enter the semi-final with confidence after eliminating Portugal and Belgium in consecutive knockout matches. Their ability to control possession, defend under pressure and produce decisive late moments has made them a serious threat.
Merino may not always start, but his impact from the bench has been priceless. Against Belgium, the midfielder was in the right place at the right time once again, keeping Spain’s dream of becoming world champions alive.