Spain have secured their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Belgium 2-1 in a closely contested quarter-final, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring a late winner to send La Roja into the last four.
The match, played before approximately 71,000 spectators at Los Angeles Stadium in California and officiated by English referee Michael Oliver, saw Spain book a World Cup semi-final place for the first time since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.
Luis de la Fuente’s side had to work hard to overcome a determined Belgian team, eventually sealing victory thanks to another decisive contribution from Merino, who once again proved his value from the substitutes’ bench.
Ruiz Gives Spain the Early Advantage
Spain enjoyed the breakthrough in the 30th minute when midfielder Fabian Ruiz reacted quickest inside the penalty area after Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois failed to hold onto an initial effort.
Ruiz was well positioned to convert the rebound, giving Spain a deserved lead after sustained pressure during the opening half.
The goal rewarded Spain’s persistence and provided momentum for the European side as they looked to continue their progress in the tournament.
Belgium Respond Before Half-time
Belgium refused to let the match slip away and drew level before the interval.
Charles De Ketelaere found the equaliser in the 41st minute, rising to meet an accurate cross from Timothy Castagne before directing a precise header beyond the Spanish goalkeeper.
The strike was De Ketelaere’s third goal of the current World Cup and ensured Belgium entered the second half on level terms.
With the scores tied at 1-1, both teams continued to search for the decisive moment in an increasingly tense encounter.
Merino Delivers Another Decisive Goal
As the match entered its closing stages, Spain turned to Mikel Merino in search of a breakthrough.
The substitute delivered once again in the 88th minute, reacting first after Courtois could only parry another Spanish effort. Merino converted the rebound to restore Spain’s advantage and ultimately secure their passage to the semi-finals.
It marked the second successive knockout match in which Merino had scored the winning goal.
In the previous round, the midfielder came off the bench to score a dramatic 91st-minute winner against Portugal in a 1-0 victory. His latest contribution further strengthened his reputation as one of Spain’s most influential substitutes during the tournament.
His ability to make an immediate impact has become a defining feature of Spain’s World Cup campaign, with both decisive goals arriving at crucial moments.
Spain Continue Their World Cup Journey
The victory extends Spain’s impressive run in the competition and moves them one step closer to another World Cup final.
Reaching the semi-finals represents their best performance at the tournament since winning the title in 2010, highlighting the progress made under coach Luis de la Fuente.
While Belgium pushed Spain throughout the contest and recovered well after conceding first, the Spanish side ultimately made the most of their opportunities in front of goal.
The result also underlined Spain’s resilience, with patience and persistence eventually proving enough to break Belgian resistance.
Semi-final Against France Awaits
Spain’s reward is a semi-final meeting with France.
The match is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 14 July, at Dallas Stadium in Texas, United States, with a place in the 2026 World Cup final at stake.
Having survived another demanding knockout encounter, Spain will now turn their attention to one of the tournament’s biggest fixtures as they continue their pursuit of a second World Cup title.
