Spain booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Mikel Merino struck a dramatic late winner to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Belgium at SoFi Stadium on Friday night.
The quarter-final encounter lived up to expectations as both sides produced an entertaining contest, but it was Spain who held their nerve in the closing stages to keep their title hopes alive.
Luis de la Fuente’s side took the lead in the 30th minute through Fabián Ruiz Peña, who finished off a well-worked move to hand Spain the advantage.
Belgium responded positively and drew level 11 minutes later when Charles De Ketelaere found the back of the net in the 41st minute, sending the teams into the halftime break tied at 1-1.
The second half was a tense affair, with both teams creating chances but struggling to find the breakthrough. Belgium appeared to be holding firm until disaster struck late in the game.
In the 88th minute, substitute goalkeeper Radek Lammens failed to deal with a long-range effort from Pau Cubarsí, spilling the ball into the path of Merino, who reacted quickest to slot home from close range and restore Spain’s lead.
The costly goal left the Belgian goalkeeper devastated, while Spain celebrated a crucial breakthrough just minutes from full-time.
Belgium pushed forward in search of an equaliser during stoppage time but Spain’s defence stood firm to preserve the 2-1 victory.
The win sends Spain into the World Cup semi-finals, where they will continue their quest for a second FIFA World Cup title, while Belgium’s impressive campaign came to an end after falling just short in a fiercely contested quarter-final.
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