Spain booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in the second quarter-final at Los Angeles Stadium, with substitute Mikel Merino once again proving to be the difference-maker.
La Roja started the match with the majority of possession and created the first meaningful opportunity in the 21st minute when Lamine Yamal fired a low effort just wide of the post. Spain continued to build pressure and eventually found the breakthrough in the 30th minute.
Pedro Porro’s cut-back found Dani Olmo inside the box, and although Thibaut Courtois denied his initial shot, Fabián Ruiz was in the right place at the right time to score from the rebound and give Spain the lead.
Courtois was forced into another important save in the 35th minute, keeping out Yamal’s dangerous free-kick. The young winger continued to threaten and almost doubled Spain’s advantage five minutes later after a brilliant solo run ended with another low strike that narrowly missed the target.
Belgium had struggled to create chances throughout the first half, but they punished Spain with their first major opportunity of the match. In the 41st minute, Timothy Castagne delivered a cross into the box and Charles De Ketelaere rose highest to head home, leaving the game level at the break.
Spain resumed control after the interval, patiently continuing their attacking approach. Yamal tested Courtois again in the 61st minute with another powerful effort, while Belgium responded moments later when Kevin De Bruyne forced a save from Unai Simón.
Belgium’s hopes suffered a major blow in the 71st minute when Courtois picked up an injury and left the pitch in tears, with Senne Lammens coming on as his replacement.
Spain kept pushing for the winning goal, and once again Mikel Merino proved to be Luis de la Fuente’s golden substitution. The midfielder came off the bench and delivered in the 88th minute, finishing from close range after Lammens had saved Pau Cubarsí’s shot.
Merino’s late strike sealed another victory for Spain and sent La Roja into the World Cup semi-finals.
Spain will now face France in the last four on July 14 at Dallas Stadium, with a place in the 2026 World Cup final at stake.
