Substitute Mikel Merino scored a dramatic late winner as Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 on Friday to secure a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face France.
Spain dominated possession from the opening whistle and controlled much of the first half. Their positive start was rewarded in the 30th minute when Fabián Ruiz finished clinically to give La Roja a deserved lead.
Belgium responded well after falling behind and began to threaten on the counter-attack. Their persistence paid off four minutes before the interval as Charles De Ketelaere headed home from close range to restore parity and send the teams into the break level at 1-1.
Spain continued to dictate proceedings after the restart, creating several opportunities while Belgium remained dangerous on the break. Both sides searched for a decisive goal, but strong defending and goalkeeping kept the score level.
The Red Devils suffered a major blow in the 71st minute when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who had made a string of impressive saves, was forced off with an injury.
Spain eventually found the breakthrough in the closing stages. Head coach Luis de la Fuente introduced Mikel Merino with four minutes of normal time remaining, and the midfielder made an immediate impact.
Just two minutes after coming on, Merino capitalised on a costly mistake by substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who spilled the ball into his path, allowing the Spaniard to calmly finish from close range and seal a dramatic 2-1 victory.
The win sends Spain into the World Cup semi-finals, where they will meet France at Dallas Stadium in Texas for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
