Los Angeles – July 11, 2026, The Europe Today: Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals after securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Belgium in a thrilling quarter-final at Los Angeles Stadium, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring a dramatic late winner.
Spain took the lead in the 30th minute through Fabián Ruiz, who capped off a dominant opening spell with a well-taken finish. Belgium responded before halftime when Charles De Ketelaere equalized in the 41st minute, handing Spain their first goal conceded in the tournament and setting up an evenly contested second half.
With the match seemingly headed for extra time, Merino once again emerged as Spain’s hero, finding the net in the 88th minute after capitalizing on a rebound following a save by Belgium’s substitute goalkeeper. The decisive strike sealed Spain’s progression to the last four and continued Merino’s remarkable run of scoring crucial late goals in the knockout stage.
Spain controlled much of the contest, enjoying the majority of possession and creating significantly more scoring opportunities, while teenage winger Lamine Yamal remained a constant attacking threat. Belgium’s challenge was complicated after first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off through injury in the second half, prompting an enforced change between the posts.
The victory sends the 2010 world champions into a blockbuster semi-final clash against France, while Belgium exit the tournament after an impressive campaign that included victories over the United States and Senegal in the knockout rounds.
