Spain booked their place in the World Cup semi-finals after substitute Mikel Merino struck a dramatic late winner to seal a 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday.
Merino, who was introduced in the 86th minute, made an immediate impact by scoring with only his second touch of the match in the 88th minute. The Arsenal forward reacted quickest after Belgium substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold Pau Cubarsí’s long-range effort, calmly converting the rebound to send Luis de la Fuente’s side into the last four.
It was the second consecutive knockout match in which Merino had emerged as Spain’s match-winner, having also come off the bench to score the decisive injury-time goal in the 1-0 round-of-16 victory over Portugal. ALSO READ: Late Merino goal keeps Spain dream alive and closes the curtain on Ronaldo’s World Cup career.
Spain largely controlled the opening stages and deservedly took the lead after half an hour. Thibaut Courtois produced an excellent save to deny Dani Olmo, but Fabián Ruiz was quickest to the loose ball, firing home the rebound from close range. ALSO READ: Clinical Spain march into World Cup last 16 with dominant display against Austria.
Belgium, however, responded well after absorbing sustained Spanish pressure and levelled four minutes before half-time. Timothy Castagne delivered a cross into the area, where Charles De Ketelaere rose to head home, scoring the first goal Spain had conceded during the entire World Cup and sending the teams into the interval level at 1-1.
The second half remained evenly contested, with both goalkeepers making important saves as Spain searched for another breakthrough. ALSO READ: Spain top Group H in World Cup with narrow win as Uruguay suffer shock early exit.
Belgium suffered a major setback in the 71st minute when Courtois was forced off with an apparent thigh injury. He was replaced by Senne Lammens, the Manchester United goalkeeper, who was unable to prevent Spain’s late winner despite initially parrying Cubarsí’s powerful effort. ALSO READ: Teenage star Yamal inspires Spain’s four-goal response to early World Cup stumble.
The decisive moment arrived just two minutes from the end of normal time as Merino raced into the penalty area to convert the rebound and continue his remarkable run of decisive contributions from the bench. ALSO READ: Cape Verde frustrate European champions Spain in historic World Cup opener.
Belgium pushed forward in search of another equaliser during the closing minutes, with Aymeric Laporte volleying their best opportunity over the bar, but Spain held firm to secure their place in the semi-finals.
The victory extended Spain’s unbeaten run to 37 matches, a streak stretching back to March 2023.
Spain will now face tournament favourites France in Tuesday’s semi-final in the Dallas area. ALSO READ: Goldman Sachs model tips Spain to win 2026 World Cup ahead of France and Argentina.
Enjoying the news from Spain in English? Add us as a preferred news source in Google.
Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter from Spain in English.
España ya es uno de los cuatro gigantes.
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) July 10, 2026
👩🏼💻 La crónica: https://t.co/QnqqAShejj #VamosEspaña | #CopaMundialFIFA pic.twitter.com/m8mujmPQc7
Spain claim their spot in the Semi-finals 🇪🇸#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/sQtoABmw9V
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 10, 2026
Click here to get your business activity or services listed on our DIRECTORY.