Spain booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 Fifa World Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Belgium in an absorbing quarter-final on Friday July 10, 2026.
Substitute Mikel Merino emerged as Spain’s match winner once again.
He scored in the 88th minute to send the European champions into the last four, where they will meet France.
Spain controlled possession from the opening whistle.
Their patient passing and pressing pinned Belgium deep inside their own half for long periods.
The breakthrough arrived in the 30th minute. Fabián Ruiz reacted quickest after a saved effort to give Spain a deserved lead.
Belgium struggled to contain Spain’s movement in midfield and the influence of young winger Lamine Yamal.
Belgium responded before the interval. Charles De Ketelaere headed home in the 41st minute to level the score.
The goal ended Spain’s run without conceding in the tournament and restored belief in the Belgian camp.
Spain resumed their dominance after the break.
Rodri dictated the tempo while Dani Olmo and Yamal repeatedly tested the Belgian defence.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois produced several fine saves to keep his side in the contest.
Belgium suffered a major setback when Courtois was forced off through injury.
Substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens was immediately called into action as Spain increased the pressure.
The decisive moment came two minutes from time.
Pau Cubarsí’s long-range effort slipped from Lammens’ grasp and Merino reacted first to score from close range.
It was the midfielder’s second successive decisive goal after also rescuing Spain against Portugal in the previous round.
Belgium pushed forward in the closing minutes.
Romelu Lukaku came close to forcing extra time, but Spain defended resolutely to preserve their lead.
The victory extends Spain’s impressive unbeaten run and keeps alive their bid for a second World Cup title.
Their disciplined midfield, organised defence and ability to produce decisive moments have made them one of the tournament’s strongest sides.
Spain now face France in a highly anticipated semi-final.
It will be a meeting between two of the competition’s biggest favourites and promises to be one of the defining matches of the tournament.
