Spain secured a dramatic place in the FIFA World Cup semifinals after substitute Mikel Merino scored a decisive late goal to seal a 2 to 1 victory over Belgium on Friday, extending La Roja’s remarkable unbeaten run and setting up a highly anticipated showdown with France.
Merino, who also delivered the winning goal against Portugal in the Round of 16, once again emerged as Spain’s match winner. The Arsenal midfielder capitalized on a rebound after Belgium substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold Pau Cubarsi’s long range effort in the 88th minute, calmly firing into the roof of the net at SoFi Stadium.
The victory sends Spain into only its second World Cup semifinal since lifting the trophy in 2010 and extends the national team’s unbeaten streak to 37 matches, continuing one of the finest runs in Spanish football history.
Spain will now meet France on Tuesday in Dallas for a place in the World Cup final.
Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled possession for long periods and created the better chances throughout the contest, although Belgium remained dangerous whenever opportunities arose on the counterattack.
Spain opened the scoring in the 30th minute after sustained pressure finally paid off. Pedro Porro delivered a cross from the right that found Dani Olmo inside the penalty area. Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois produced an excellent save from Olmo’s effort, but the rebound fell perfectly for Fabián Ruiz, who converted from close range for his first World Cup goal.
The goal rewarded Spain’s patient attacking play and justified De la Fuente’s decision to start Ruiz ahead of Pedri in midfield.
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal again played a central role in Spain’s attack. Making his sixth appearance of the tournament, the Barcelona forward became the youngest player to reach that milestone at a World Cup while consistently troubling Belgium’s defense with his pace and creativity.
Despite Spain’s dominance, Belgium responded before halftime.
Timothy Castagne delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area, where Charles De Ketelaere glanced a precise header beyond goalkeeper Unai Simón in the 41st minute to level the match.
The equalizer ended Spain’s remarkable defensive record at the tournament. It was the first goal Spain had conceded during the competition and brought to an end a scoreless World Cup streak that had stretched back to the group stage of the 2022 tournament.
Spain resumed control after the break, circulating possession with confidence while searching for another breakthrough.
Belgium, however, remained a constant threat through the creativity of Kevin De Bruyne and the pace of Jérémy Doku, who combined on several dangerous attacks that tested Spain’s defense.
A turning point arrived in the 71st minute when Belgium suffered a significant setback.
Veteran goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois appeared to sustain a thigh injury after making a clearance. Although he initially attempted to continue following medical treatment, he was eventually replaced by Senne Lammens.
Belgium had already been forced into a late lineup adjustment before kickoff after captain Youri Tielemans withdrew during the warmup because of injury, depriving the team of one of its most experienced midfield leaders.
Spain continued pressing during the closing stages before Merino once again delivered when it mattered most.
Just two minutes after entering the match, the midfielder reacted quickest after Lammens spilled Cubarsi’s long distance effort, finishing confidently from close range to send Spanish supporters into celebration.
Belgium launched one final push for an equalizer during stoppage time but could not find another breakthrough as Spain’s defense held firm.
The defeat ended Belgium’s impressive 18 match unbeaten run and brought another disappointing conclusion for a talented generation that had entered the tournament hoping to challenge for the title.
For Spain, the victory highlighted the team’s growing maturity under De la Fuente. While the squad features exciting young stars such as Yamal and Cubarsi, experienced players including Merino, Rodri and Ruiz continue to provide leadership during crucial moments.
What We Know So Far
Spain defeated Belgium 2 to 1 in the World Cup quarterfinals after Mikel Merino scored an 88th minute winner.
Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring before Charles De Ketelaere equalized shortly before halftime.
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois left the match through injury during the second half, with substitute Senne Lammens unable to prevent Merino’s decisive goal.
Spain will play France in the semifinals.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente’s tactical decision to start Fabián Ruiz instead of Pedri proved decisive, with Ruiz scoring the opening goal.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia’s side battled back after falling behind but was ultimately unable to overcome the loss of Courtois during the closing stages.
Why This Matters
Spain has quietly emerged as one of the tournament’s strongest teams despite receiving less attention than several other favorites.
Its combination of disciplined defending, patient possession football and emerging young talent has transformed La Roja into a genuine contender for a second World Cup title.
The victory also demonstrates Spain’s growing ability to win tight knockout matches through squad depth rather than relying solely on individual brilliance.
Belgium’s elimination raises fresh questions about the future direction of its national team. While experienced players such as Courtois and De Bruyne remain influential, another major tournament has ended without the long anticipated championship success.
What Happens Next
Spain advances to face France in one of the tournament’s most anticipated semifinal matches.
France enters the contest as one of the favorites to win the World Cup, while Spain will attempt to extend its unbeaten run and move within one victory of another appearance in the World Cup final.
Belgium is expected to evaluate injuries sustained during the tournament while beginning preparations for the next international competition.
Spain’s success is no longer built solely on dominating possession, a hallmark of its historic 2010 World Cup triumph. Under Luis de la Fuente, the team has evolved into a more balanced side capable of defending compactly, attacking directly when necessary and relying on a deeper squad to influence matches.
Mikel Merino has become one of the tournament’s defining impact substitutes. His consecutive knockout stage winners illustrate Spain’s depth and ability to change matches from the bench, a quality often associated with championship teams.
Belgium, meanwhile, continues to experience frustration despite possessing world class talent. Injuries to key players disrupted the team’s plans, but the defeat also highlighted recurring difficulties in closing out matches against elite opponents. With several senior players nearing the latter stages of their international careers, this tournament could represent the closing chapter for one of Belgium’s most gifted generations.
Sources: ESPN, citing The Associated Press (AP); The Associated Press; Flashscore USA
