Spain Beat Belgium to Book France Semifinal
Spain reached the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals after Mikel Merino scored an 88th-minute winner in a 2-1 victory over Belgium. The result secured a semifinal meeting with tournament favourites France.
Spain Beat Belgium in World Cup Quarterfinal
Spain opened the scoring in the 30th minute through Fabian Ruiz. Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois initially saved Dani Olmo’s effort, but Ruiz reacted quickly to convert the rebound.
Belgium equalised in the 41st minute when Charles De Ketelaere headed Timothy Castagne’s cross into the net.
The goal was the first conceded by Spain during the tournament and ended their record run of 649 minutes without allowing a World Cup goal.
Mikel Merino Scores Late Spain Winner
Courtois was forced to leave the match in the 71st minute with an apparent thigh injury and was replaced by Senne Lammens.
Spain introduced Merino in the 86th minute, and the Arsenal midfielder made an immediate impact. Lammens spilled Pau Cubarsi’s long-range shot two minutes later, allowing Merino to score from close range with only his second touch.
It was another decisive substitute appearance from Merino, who had also scored the late winner against Portugal in the round of 16.
Spain Set Up France Semifinal
Belgium pushed forward in search of another equaliser during the closing minutes, but Spain protected their lead and secured a place in the last four.
Spain will face France in the semifinal in Dallas on July 14. France reached the next round after defeating Morocco 2-0 in their quarterfinal.
The match will bring together two of the tournament’s leading teams, with Spain’s possession-based football facing a French attack led by Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.
