Spain secured a dramatic place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals after defeating Belgium 2-1 in a tense quarter-final at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday.
A late goal from substitute Mikel Merino sealed victory for Luis de la Fuente’s side, which will now meet France in what promises to be one of the tournament’s most anticipated semi-final clashes.
Fabian Ruiz had earlier given Spain the lead before Belgium responded through Charles De Ketelaere, but Merino’s decisive finish just two minutes from time proved enough to keep Spain’s World Cup dream alive.
Ruiz Rewards Surprise Selection With Opening Goal
Luis de la Fuente made a bold tactical decision by handing Fabian Ruiz a starting role ahead of Pedri, and the midfielder justified his inclusion with the opening goal after 30 minutes.
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois initially denied Dani Olmo with a fine save, but Ruiz reacted quickest to the rebound to put Spain in front. Before Belgium’s equaliser, Lamine Yamal continued to threaten the Belgian defence, narrowly missing the target after cutting inside from the wing.
Belgium Hit Back Before Half-Time
Belgium restored parity just before the interval through an expertly executed counterattack.
Kevin De Bruyne produced a perfectly weighted pass to release Timothy Castagne down the right flank. Castagne’s accurate cross found Charles De Ketelaere, who timed his run to perfection before heading beyond Unai Simón to level the contest at 1-1.
The goal ended Simón’s remarkable World Cup run of 560 consecutive minutes without conceding, surpassing the previous tournament record of 517 minutes set by Italy’s Walter Zenga in 1990.
Courtois Injury Changes the Momentum
The match took another twist in the 71st minute when Belgium suffered a major setback as Courtois was forced off through injury.
His replacement, Senne Lammens, was soon called into action but could not fully deal with Pau Cubarsí’s long-range effort late in the game. The rebound fell kindly for substitute Mikel Merino, who had only recently entered the match, and the midfielder fired home in the 88th minute to restore Spain’s lead and ultimately send them into the semi-finals.
Spain Continue Historic Unbeaten Run
The victory extended Spain’s unbeaten streak to 36 matches since their defeat to Colombia, matching Argentina’s 36-game run achieved between 2019 and 2022 with Lionel Messi.
Only Italy’s 37-match unbeaten sequence, recorded between 2018 and 2021, remains ahead of Spain in international football’s modern era.
Lamine Yamal Earns Player of the Match Recognition
Although he did not score, teenager Lamine Yamal played a key role throughout the encounter with his pace, creativity and constant attacking threat.
His performance earned him the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match award after helping Spain create several of their best opportunities.
Spain Confident Ahead of France Showdown
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised his players’ determination after the victory and expressed confidence ahead of the semi-final meeting with France.
He said it was an honour to coach such a committed group, adding that Spain had every reason to believe they could overcome France if they continued working at the same level.
Merino, whose winning goal secured qualification, described the moment as a dream come true. He said reaching the last four leaves Spain just two victories away from lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy and acknowledged that facing France would represent one of the toughest challenges possible at this stage of the competition.
Match Summary
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Quarter-final
Spain 2-1 Belgium
Spain scorers: Fabian Ruiz (30), Mikel Merino (88)
Belgium scorer: Charles De Ketelaere (41)
Spain will face France in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals, with a place in the tournament final at stake.
