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Spain booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium, as Mikel Merino struck a late winner in a thrilling contest packed with intensity, momentum swings and high-quality football.
The 2010 world champions dominated large spells of the match but were pushed to the limit by a resilient Belgian side before Merino’s decisive 88th-minute goal sealed a memorable victory for Luis de la Fuente’s men.
Spain made one change to their starting lineup, with Fabián Ruiz replacing Pedri in midfield.
The decision paid off in the 30th minute when Ruiz opened the scoring after a flowing team move.
Although Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois brilliantly denied Dani Olmo’s initial effort, he failed to clear the rebound, allowing Ruiz to fire home.
The shot took a deflection off a Belgian defender before finding the back of the net.
Belgium responded strongly and found an equaliser just before halftime. In the 41st minute, Charles De Ketelaere finished off a swift counterattack with a composed strike beyond Unai Simón, ending Spain’s remarkable run without conceding a goal in the tournament.
The teams went into the break level at 1-1, setting up an enthralling second half.
Belgium suffered a major setback after the restart when star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with an injury.
Young substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens replaced him and faced relentless pressure from Spain’s attack.
As Spain increased the tempo in search of a winner, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 88th minute.
Amid a crowded penalty area, Mikel Merino reacted quickest to a loose ball and calmly drilled his shot into the middle of the net, sending the Spanish players and fans into celebration.
Belgium pressed for a late equaliser, but Spain’s defence held firm through the closing minutes to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory and a place in the last four.
The victory keeps Spain’s dream of winning a second FIFA World Cup title alive, while Belgium exit the tournament after a spirited performance that tested one of the competition’s strongest teams until the final whistle.
