Mikel Merino once again proved decisive for Spain, coming off the bench to score a dramatic 88th-minute winner that secured a 2-1 victory over Belgium and a place in the World Cup semi-finals. The Arsenal midfielder had already rescued his team in the previous round with a 91st-minute goal against Portugal, and he repeated the feat in Los Angeles after spending just 117 seconds on the pitch following his introduction for Dani Olmo.
With the contest level at 1-1 and extra time looming, Pau Cubarsi unleashed a long-range effort that Belgium substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold after replacing the injured Thibaut Courtois. Merino reacted quickest, smashing the loose ball into the roof of the net from close range to send Spain into the last four.
Luis de la Fuente’s European champions will now face France in Dallas on Tuesday, 14 July, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.
Ruiz’s opener was cancelled before decisive finale
Spain controlled the early stages and were rewarded midway through the opening half. Pedro Porro combined neatly with Lamine Yamal down the right before delivering a cross that created the opportunity. Although Courtois denied Olmo’s first attempt, Fabian Ruiz collected the rebound and drove his shot through the legs of Timothy Castagne to break the deadlock.
Belgium responded before the interval when Charles De Ketelaere got in front of Cubarsi to power home Castagne’s delivery. The equaliser not only restored parity but also ended Spain’s remarkable run of 649 minutes without conceding a goal at the 2026 World Cup.
After the restart Belgium appealed for a penalty when Aymeric Laporte’s header struck Rodri’s arm inside the area, while Courtois remained alert to deny Mikel Oyarzabal. However, the experienced goalkeeper was forced off in tears during the 71st minute with what appeared to be a muscle injury, a setback that ultimately played a decisive role in the outcome.
Spain advances, but tougher challenge awaits
Lammens, making only his third international appearance, was unable to keep hold of Cubarsi’s powerful effort late in the game, allowing Merino to score the winner and end Belgium’s hopes. Spain now stand just two victories away from lifting the trophy after securing only their second appearance in a World Cup semi-final.
Although La Roja have progressed, they have yet to produce their most convincing football during the tournament. Following another narrow victory after edging Portugal in the previous round, they will need to improve against two-time world champions France. Their normally dependable defence conceded for the first time in the competition, while Lamine Yamal, despite contributing to the opening goal and creating several moments of danger, has not yet reached his highest level.
Belgium’s campaign ends in disappointment
Belgium overcame significant setbacks before kick-off, with Amadou Onana unavailable after rupturing his ACL against the United States and captain Youri Tielemans suffering an injury during the warm-up. Even so, Rudi Garcia’s side remained competitive throughout and pushed Spain until the closing stages.
The defeat is another painful chapter for Belgium’s highly regarded generation of players, who once again leave a major tournament without claiming the title many believed they were capable of winning. It could mark the final World Cup appearances for several experienced internationals, including Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, Thomas Meunier, Leandro Trossard, and record scorer Romelu Lukaku, who was unable to inspire another comeback after coming off the bench despite already scoring three goals during the tournament.