Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals after defeating Belgium 2-1 in a thrilling quarter-final at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday.
A late goal from Mikel Merino sealed the victory for Spain after Belgium had fought back to level the match. The win sets up a blockbuster semi-final against France, one of the tournament favourites.
Fabian Ruiz Gives Spain the Early Lead
Spain dominated possession in the opening stages and finally broke the deadlock in the 30th minute.
Midfielder Fabian Ruiz found the back of the net with a well-taken finish, giving Spain a deserved 1-0 advantage.
The goal rewarded Spain’s positive start as they continued to control large periods of the game.
Belgium Respond Before Half-Time
Belgium refused to back down and found an equaliser just before the break.
Charles De Ketelaere scored in the 41st minute to make it 1-1, handing Spain their first goal conceded during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The equaliser shifted momentum and turned the contest into an intense battle after halftime.
Goalkeeping Error Decides the Match
As the match appeared to be heading into extra time, Spain found the decisive breakthrough in the closing minutes.
In the 88th minute, defender Pau Cubarsi unleashed a powerful long-range effort that Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold.
The loose ball fell perfectly for substitute Mikel Merino, who reacted quickest to score from close range and give Spain a dramatic 2-1 lead.
Merino had entered the match only two minutes earlier, making an immediate impact with his second consecutive match-winning goal after also scoring the decisive strike against Portugal in the Round of 16.
Merino Delighted With Another Match-Winning Goal
After the final whistle, Merino admitted he was thrilled to once again deliver the winning goal for Spain.
“It seems like a coincidence, and if you go in prepared, it can happen again. I’m thrilled. I doubt it will happen again, we’ll see,” he said.
The midfielder also expressed excitement about facing France in the semi-finals.
“We came here for this and we’re confident in our abilities. It is one of those games you dream of as a kid.”
Tough Night for Senne Lammens
Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens endured a heartbreaking finish after his late mistake proved costly.
Lammens had only entered the match after first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with an injury during the second half.
Following the final whistle, Courtois was seen consoling his teammate after the painful defeat.
Lamine Yamal Impresses for Spain
Young winger Lamine Yamal played a key role in Spain’s attack throughout the match.
Although he had enjoyed a relatively quiet tournament before the quarter-final, the teenager consistently troubled Belgium’s defence with his dribbling and creativity.
His impressive display earned him the Player of the Match award.
France Await in the Semi-Finals
Spain will now face France in one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.
France reached the semi-finals after a comfortable 2-0 victory over Morocco, with Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele scoring the goals.
The semi-final will be played in Arlington, Texas, where two of Europe’s strongest teams will battle for a place in the FIFA World Cup final.
Norway vs England Headlines Next Quarter-Final
Attention now turns to the remaining quarter-finals.
Norway will face England in Miami, with much of the focus expected to be on the battle between star strikers Erling Haaland and Harry Kane.
Norway coach Stale Solbakken described both forwards as their teams’ biggest match-winners and believes their performances could decide the outcome.
Meanwhile, England have injury concerns in defence after Marc Guehi suffered a hamstring problem. With Jarell Quansah suspended, manager Thomas Tuchel faces a selection headache ahead of the crucial knockout clash.