Key Takeaways:
- Spain clinched a 2-1 victory over Belgium to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals
- Mikel Merino netted a decisive late winner after Senne Lammens’ costly error
- La Roja extended their head-to-head winning streak over Belgium to six matches and will face France next Tuesday in Dallas
First-Half Action: Spain Control, Belgium Hit Back
Spain, currently ranked second in the world, entered the encounter buoyed by a quietly impressive tournament run, returning to the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2010. Belgium, fresh from eliminating co-hosts USA, initially held firm under Spanish pressure, with Nathan Ngoy and Thibaut Courtois denying Rodri and Lamine Yamal in the opening stages.
Spain grab a late goal to secure their place in the Semi-final! 🇪🇸#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 10, 2026
The deadlock was broken on the half-hour as Fabian Ruiz registered his maiden World Cup goal. Dani Olmo’s shot was parried by Thibaut Courtois, but Ruiz was on hand to rifle in the rebound, rewarding Pedro Porro’s precise delivery with an opening goal for La Roja.
Despite Spain’s dominance, Belgium found a response before the break. Charles De Ketelaere notched the first goal conceded by Spain at these finals, directing Timothy Castagne’s cross past the previously unbreachable Spanish rearguard in the 41st minute to level the tie.
Second-Half Developments: Missed Chances and a Turning Point
After the interval, Spain resumed their trademark possession football in and around the Belgian penalty area, with Lamine Yamal proving instrumental. Yamal threatened with a shot wide and drew a further save from Courtois, but the score remained even as Belgium looked to pounce on the counter. The Red Devils nearly struck again when Maxim De Cuyper, following stylish interplay between Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne, fired narrowly into the side-netting.
Courtois, central to Belgium’s resilience, was forced off due to injury and replaced by Senne Lammens for the closing stages. The substitution would prove costly.
Decisive Moment: Merino Propels Spain into Final Four
With only minutes remaining, Pau Cubarsi tested Lammens with a tame effort, which the substitute goalkeeper could not properly clear. Mikel Merino was alert in the six-yard box, turning home for his second consecutive goal at these finals in the 88th minute, again delivering for his country at a crucial moment.
This last-gasp winner condemned Belgium to a harsh exit, snapping their 18-match unbeaten run (W12, D6), whilst Spain’s sixth successive head-to-head triumph sets up a headline semi-final meeting with France next Tuesday in Dallas. Notably, Luis de la Fuente became only the third European manager to win his first seven major tournament knockout matches.
