European champions Spain booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium at SoFi Stadium on Friday.
Mikel Merino scored a late winner to send Spain into a blockbuster last-four clash against France, with the semi-final scheduled for Tuesday in Dallas.
Spain took control early and deservedly opened the scoring in the 30th minute when Fabián Ruiz converted from close range after Dani Olmo’s effort was parried by Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Despite being outplayed for much of the first half, Belgium drew level four minutes before the break through Charles De Ketelaere, who headed home Timothy Castagne’s cross after a well-timed run into the penalty area. It was the first goal Spain had conceded at the tournament.
Belgium suffered a setback before kick-off after captain Youri Tielemans sustained a hamstring injury during the warm-up, adding to the absence of midfielder Amadou Onana, who is sidelined with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Spain continued to dominate possession after the restart, with teenage winger Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo creating several chances, while Belgium relied on counter-attacks and the experience of Kevin De Bruyne and substitute Romelu Lukaku.
The match took another twist in the 70th minute when Courtois was forced off with an injury and replaced by World Cup debutant Senne Lammens.
Lammens’ introduction proved costly in the closing stages. In the 88th minute, he failed to hold Pau CubarsÃ’s low shot, allowing substitute Mikel Merino to pounce on the rebound and fire home the winning goal.
The Arsenal midfielder’s strike was his second consecutive decisive goal from the bench, having also netted the late winner against Portugal in the Round of 16.
Belgium nearly forced extra time in the closing moments, but Alexis Saelemaekers was unable to find Lukaku in front of an open goal after rounding Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón.
The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations among the Spanish players, while Belgium’s players were left devastated as their World Cup campaign came to an end.
Spain will now face France in a highly anticipated semi-final after Les Bleus defeated Morocco to reach the last four.
