Spain booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Belgium 2-1 in a thrilling quarter-final clash on Friday.
Substitute Mikel Merino proved to be the hero once again, scoring the decisive goal in the 88th minute after Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold onto a shot inside the penalty area.
The dramatic winner was Merino’s second consecutive match-winning goal in the knockout stage, having also scored the late winner in Spain’s Round of 16 victory over Portugal.
Spain opened the scoring in the 30th minute through Fabian Ruiz. However, Belgium responded before halftime as Charles De Ketelaere found the equaliser, ending Spain’s run without conceding a goal at the tournament.
With the victory, Spain advance to the World Cup semi-finals, where they will face tournament favourites France on Tuesday in a blockbuster encounter for a place in the final.
