Spain booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals after substitute Mikel Merino scored a late winner to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles.
Merino, who also scored the decisive goal in Spain’s last-16 win over Portugal, struck in the 88th minute after capitalising on a mistake by substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The Arsenal midfielder had been on the pitch for just 117 seconds when he fired home the rebound after Lammens spilt Pau Cubarsi’s long-range effort.
The victory sends European champions Spain into a semi-final against France in Dallas on Tuesday, 14 July.
Spain made the brighter start and deservedly took the lead in the 30th minute. Pedro Porro combined with Lamine Yamal before crossing for Dani Olmo, whose initial effort was saved by Thibaut Courtois. Fabian Ruiz reacted quickest to drill the rebound through the legs of Timothy Castagne.
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Belgium responded before the break as Charles De Ketelaere got in front of Cubarsi to head home Castagne’s cross, ending Spain’s remarkable run of 649 minutes without conceding a goal at the 2026 World Cup.
The second half remained closely contested. Belgium appealed for a penalty after Aymeric Laporte headed the ball onto the arm of team-mate Rodri inside the area, while Courtois produced another important save to deny Mikel Oyarzabal.
Belgium suffered a major setback in the 71st minute when Courtois appeared to sustain a muscle injury and was forced off in tears. His replacement, Lammens, was called into action for only his third international appearance.
The decisive moment came late in the match when Lammens failed to hold Cubarsi’s powerful shot, allowing Merino to react first and fire into the roof of the net from close range.
Spain’s victory keeps alive their bid for a second World Cup title after lifting the trophy in 2010. Luis de la Fuente’s side are now two wins away from adding the world crown to the European Championship they won in 2024.
Belgium, despite missing key midfielders Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans, pushed Spain throughout but were unable to force extra time. The defeat is another disappointing end for a generation of players that includes Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, Thomas Meunier, Leandro Trossard and record goalscorer Romelu Lukaku.
Spain will now face France for a place in the World Cup final.
