Spain booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals after Mikel Merino scored another dramatic late winner to secure a 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles.
Having rescued La Roja with a last-gasp winner against Portugal in the Round of 16, Merino once again proved Spain’s hero, this time striking in the closing minutes to send Luis de la Fuente’s side into a blockbuster semi-final against France.
Spain controlled possession from the opening whistle and quickly imposed their trademark passing game. Rodri tested the Belgian defence early before Lamine Yamal curled an effort narrowly wide as La Roja looked the more dangerous side.
Their pressure eventually paid off on the half-hour mark. Pedro Porro delivered an inviting cross for Dani Olmo, whose initial effort was brilliantly saved by Thibaut Courtois. The rebound fell kindly to Fabián Ruiz, who calmly slotted home to register his first-ever FIFA World Cup goal.
Belgium weathered the storm and found an equaliser against the run of play four minutes before the interval. Timothy Castagne delivered an excellent cross into the penalty area where Charles De Ketelaere rose highest to power a header beyond the Spanish goalkeeper, becoming the first player to score against Spain at this year’s tournament.
The second half followed a familiar pattern, with Spain dominating possession while Belgium threatened on the counter-attack. Yamal remained Spain’s most dangerous outlet, forcing Courtois into another important save before firing another effort narrowly off target.
Belgium almost completed the turnaround when Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne combined brilliantly to release Maxim De Cuyper, whose effort struck the side-netting.
The turning point arrived late in the contest when Courtois was forced off through injury, with Senne Lammens replacing the Real Madrid goalkeeper.
Just minutes later, Spain found the breakthrough. Pau Cubarsí’s powerful effort was only parried by Lammens into the path of Merino, who reacted quickest to convert from close range and spark wild celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters.
Merino’s decisive strike sealed Spain’s sixth consecutive victory over Belgium and booked a place in the semi-finals, where they will face France for a place in the World Cup final.
For Belgium, the defeat brought an end to an 18-match unbeaten run and marked a heartbreaking exit for a side whose experienced generation once again fell short on the biggest stage.
