By Dwayne Ferreira
Mikel Merino scored an 88th-minute winner as Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals.
INGLEWOOD, United States — Mikel Merino emerged as Spain’s knockout-stage hero once again, scoring a dramatic late winner as the European champions defeated Belgium 2-1 to reach the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Spain appeared to be heading towards extra time after Charles De Ketelaere cancelled out Fabián Ruiz’s opening goal.
However, Merino reacted fastest after Belgium substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold a late shot, allowing the Spanish midfielder to score in the 88th minute.
The victory at SoFi Stadium sent Spain into their first World Cup semifinal since winning the tournament in 2010.
Ruiz Gives Spain the Lead
Spain controlled much of the early possession, patiently moving the ball across midfield and attempting to stretch Belgium’s defensive structure.
Their pressure produced the opening goal in the 30th minute.
Fabián Ruiz found space and finished confidently to give Spain a deserved advantage.
The goal reflected Spain’s control during the opening stages, with their midfield dominating possession and limiting Belgium’s ability to build sustained attacks.
Belgium, however, refused to allow the match to slip away.
The Red Devils responded with greater urgency and began finding spaces behind Spain’s advancing players.
Their equaliser arrived in the 41st minute when Timothy Castagne delivered a cross for De Ketelaere, who directed a well-placed header beyond the Spanish goalkeeper.
It was the first goal Spain had conceded during the tournament.
The goal ensured the teams entered halftime level and transformed the contest into a far more unpredictable quarterfinal.
Belgium Push Spain to the Limit
Belgium began the second half with confidence and threatened Spain through rapid transitions.
Spain continued to control possession, but Belgium’s physicality and direct attacking play caused problems.
The match became increasingly tense as both teams searched for the goal that would prevent extra time.
Belgium suffered a major setback when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois sustained an injury to his upper left leg.
Courtois initially attempted to continue but was eventually forced from the field. He was replaced by Lammens, leaving Belgium without one of their most experienced and influential players for the closing stages.
Courtois appeared visibly emotional as he left the pitch, while Belgium attempted to reorganise for Spain’s expected late pressure.
The injury created uncertainty at the back and ultimately played a role in the decisive moment.
Merino Delivers in the 88th Minute
With the quarterfinal seemingly heading towards extra time, Spain launched another attack.
A long-range attempt was directed towards the Belgian goal, but Lammens was unable to hold the shot cleanly.
Merino anticipated the rebound and reacted before the surrounding defenders, finishing from close range to give Spain a 2-1 lead in the 88th minute.
It was another crucial knockout contribution from the midfielder.
Merino had also scored the decisive goal during Spain’s 1-0 Round of 16 victory over Portugal four days earlier.
His ability to arrive in dangerous areas at decisive moments has become an important part of Spain’s World Cup campaign.
Belgium attempted to respond during the closing minutes, with Romelu Lukaku coming close to forcing extra time.
Spain’s defence held firm, however, protecting the narrow advantage until the final whistle.
Belgium Exit After Brave Performance
Belgium will leave the tournament disappointed but can take encouragement from a performance that pushed one of the favourites to the final minutes.
De Ketelaere’s equaliser demonstrated Belgium’s attacking quality, while their younger players showed signs that the national team may be entering a promising new period.
Belgium had already produced several dramatic performances during the tournament.
They defeated Senegal 3-2 in the Round of 32 before overpowering hosts United States 4-1 in the Round of 16.
Against Spain, Belgium again showed resilience and refused to be overwhelmed by their opponents’ possession.
However, Courtois’ injury and the late goalkeeping error proved costly.
Several of Belgium’s experienced players may also have played their final World Cup match, marking the potential end of an era for a generation that carried high expectations for more than a decade.
Spain Return to the World Cup Semifinals
The victory extended Spain’s unbeaten competitive run to 37 matches, dating back to March 2023.
It also secured their first World Cup semifinal appearance since 2010, when Andrés Iniesta’s extra-time goal against the Netherlands delivered Spain’s first global title.
Spain’s latest generation now have an opportunity to create their own World Cup history.
The European champions have demonstrated several different qualities during the tournament. They have dominated possession, defended effectively and found ways to survive difficult knockout matches.
Merino’s late goals against Portugal and Belgium have also shown that Spain possess the composure required to decide tight contests.
Their next challenge will be significantly more difficult.
Spain will face France in a heavyweight semifinal, with Mbappé, Dembélé and the French attack presenting their greatest test of the tournament.
Spain will enter the contest with confidence after overcoming a determined Belgian side and proving once again that they can find a winning goal when the pressure is at its highest.
Match Summary
Final score: Spain 2-1 Belgium
Halftime: Spain 1-1 Belgium
Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal
Goals:
- Fabián Ruiz, 30th minute
- Charles De Ketelaere, 41st minute
- Mikel Merino, 88th minute
