New Delhi: Spain booked their place in the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium, thanks to a late strike from substitute Mikel Merino at Los Angeles Stadium.
Fabián Ruiz gave Spain the lead in the first half after capitalising on a rebound following a save by Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Belgium responded just before the break when Charles De Ketelaere headed home from a Timothy Castagne cross, ending Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón’s remarkable run without conceding in the tournament.
The match appeared destined for extra time until the 88th minute when Merino, introduced just moments earlier, reacted quickest inside the penalty area after substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to deal cleanly with Pau Cubarsí’s powerful effort. Merino calmly slotted home the winner to send Spain into the last four.
Belgium suffered a major setback when Courtois was forced off with a leg injury in the 71st minute, with Lammens replacing him between the posts.
Spain will now face France in the semi-finals, aiming to reach only their second FIFA World Cup final after lifting the trophy for the first time in 2010. The victory also extended Spain’s impressive unbeaten run, reinforcing their status as one of the tournament’s strongest contenders.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente praised his team’s resilience, saying they have the belief and quality to overcome France. Match-winner Mikel Merino expressed confidence that Spain can carry their momentum into the final stages and fulfil their dream of winning a second World Cup title.
