Spain booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after substitute Mikel Merino scored a late winner to seal a 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles.
Merino struck in the 88th minute to send Luis de la Fuente’s side into the last four, where they will face France after Les Bleus eliminated Morocco on Thursday.
Merino delivers another decisive goal
The Arsenal midfielder continued his reputation as Spain’s super substitute after also scoring the stoppage-time winner against Portugal in the Round of 16.
With the match level at 1-1 and appearing destined for extra time, Pau Cubarsi tested Belgium substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens with a powerful long-range effort.
Lammens, who had replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois, failed to hold the shot, allowing Merino to react quickest and fire the rebound into the roof of the net from close range.
Spain set up France showdown
Spain had taken the lead in the 30th minute through Fabian Ruiz, who finished confidently to reward his side’s early dominance.
Belgium responded before the interval as Charles de Ketelaere headed home four minutes before half-time to level the contest and score the first goal Spain had conceded during the tournament.
Both teams created chances after the break, but neither could find a breakthrough until Merino’s decisive intervention late in the game.
The victory sends Spain into the World Cup semi-finals, where they will meet France in Dallas on Tuesday, July 14, with a place in the final at stake.
Spain have now eliminated Portugal and Belgium in successive knockout rounds and remain among the favourites to lift the World Cup trophy.