Spain booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after substitute Mikel Merino scored a dramatic late winner to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Belgium.
The 2010 world champions dominated possession for long spells and looked set for extra time before Merino capitalised on a costly goalkeeping error just minutes after coming off the bench to send La Roja into the last four.
Spain will now face France in a blockbuster semi-final at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday.
Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled proceedings from the opening whistle, dictating possession and pinning Belgium deep inside their own half.
Their dominance was rewarded in the 30th minute when Fabián Ruiz fired Spain into a deserved lead with a composed finish.
Despite struggling to create sustained pressure, Belgium remained dangerous on the counterattack and found an equaliser just before the break.
Charles De Ketelaere rose highest to head home from close range in the 41st minute, ensuring the teams went into half-time level at 1-1.
Courtois Injury Changes the Game
Spain continued to press after the restart, creating several promising opportunities but finding Belgium’s defence difficult to break down.
Belgium also threatened at the other end, making for an entertaining second half as both sides searched for a winner.
The turning point came in the 71st minute when Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who had made four outstanding saves to keep his team in the contest, was forced off through injury.
Merino Makes Instant Impact
With the match seemingly heading towards extra time, Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente introduced Mikel Merino in the 86th minute.
The substitute needed just two minutes to make the difference.
Replacement goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled the ball into Merino’s path, allowing the midfielder to calmly slot home from close range and send the Spanish players and supporters into celebration.
France Await
The victory sends Spain into the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, where they will face France in one of the tournament’s most anticipated matches.
With both European giants in impressive form, Tuesday’s clash promises to be a fascinating battle for a place in the World Cup final.
Conclusion
Spain once again demonstrated their quality and resilience, finding a way through when it mattered most.
Thanks to Mikel Merino’s late heroics, La Roja remain on course for a second FIFA World Cup title and now stand just one victory away from another appearance in the final.
