SPAIN MARCHES INTO SEMI-FINALS AFTER LATE MERINO DRAMA AGAINST BELGIUM

Spain secured a dramatic spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ semi-finals with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Belgium at the Los Angeles Stadium. Substitute midfielder Mikel Merino once again proved to be the savior for La Roja, netting an 88th-minute match-winner to break Belgian hearts.

The high-stakes quarter-final matchup opened with high intensity. Spain broke the deadlock in the 30th minute when Fabián Ruiz reacted sharply to a loose ball, tucking away a rebound after Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois parried an initial fierce shot from Dani Olmo.

Spain capitalised on the pressure late in the game. In the 88th minute, Pau Cubarsí launched a long-range strike that Lammens spilled into the box. Merino reacted quickest, hammering home the rebound to seal the 2-1 win.

Key Match Timeline
30' ⚽ Goal Spain (1-0): Surprise starter Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring for La Roja, breaking the deadlock by tucking away a rebound after Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois parried a fierce shot from Dani Olmo.

41' ⚽ Goal Belgium (1-1): On the brink of half-time, Kevin De Bruyne slipped a brilliant pass to Timothy Castagne, whose pinpoint cross was headed home by Charles De Ketelaere to pull the Red Devils level.

71' 🚑 Courtois Injury: Belgium suffered a massive blow when star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had to go off in tears due to an injury, forcing youngster Senne Lammens into the line of fire.

88' ⚽ Goal Spain (2-1): The breakthrough came late as Pau Cubarsí launched a long-range strike. Lammens spilled the low shot, allowing replacement midfielder Mikel Merino to react fastest and hammer home the loose ball.