Spain have booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals after defeating Belgium 2-1 in a thrilling quarter-final. The victory keeps La Roja’s dream of a second World Cup title alive.
Spain took control of the match in the 30th minute when Fabián Ruiz found the back of the net.
Belgium responded before halftime as Charles De Ketelaere headed home to level the score and hand Spain their first goal conceded of the tournament.
Just when extra time seemed inevitable, Mikel Merino struck again. In the 88th minute, the midfielder reacted quickest after a save from Senne Lammens spilled into his path, calmly slotting home the winning goal.
Merino has become Spain’s clutch performer. He also scored the decisive goal against Portugal in the Round of 16, making it back-to-back match-winning goals in the knockout stage.
The win sends Spain into their first World Cup semi-final since lifting the trophy in 2010.
They will now face France in a mouthwatering last-four showdown, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.
