Spain World Cup semi-finals secured as Mikel Merino’s late goal seals a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Spain booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals after substitute Mikel Merino struck a dramatic 88th-minute winner to secure a 2-1 victory over Belgium in a thrilling quarter-final on Friday.

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Merino, introduced by head coach Luis de la Fuente in the 86th minute, made an immediate impact by pouncing on a loose ball inside the penalty area to score from close range, sending the reigning European champions into the last four, where they will face France.

The victory extended Spain’s impressive tournament run and preserved their hopes of lifting a second FIFA World Cup title.

Spain controlled possession for much of the opening half and deservedly took the lead in the 30th minute through Fabián Ruiz.

The midfielder reacted quickest after Dani Olmo’s effort had been parried by Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, calmly converting the rebound to give Spain the advantage.

Belgium responded positively and restored parity before the interval.

Charles De Ketelaere rose highest to head home Timothy Castagne’s inviting cross, ensuring the sides went into half-time level after an entertaining first 45 minutes.

The second half produced an absorbing contest, with both teams creating opportunities as the match opened up.

Spain threatened through Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal and Rodri, while Belgium captain Kevin De Bruyne twice forced important saves from goalkeeper Unai Simón as the Red Devils searched for a decisive breakthrough.

Belgium’s hopes suffered a significant setback in the 71st minute when Courtois was forced off through injury.

His replacement, Senne Lammens, quickly settled into the match and made several impressive saves to keep Belgium in contention.

However, the substitute goalkeeper could do little to prevent Merino’s decisive finish two minutes from time after Spain sustained pressure deep inside the Belgian penalty area.

Merino’s latest intervention further enhanced his reputation as Spain’s decisive impact substitute.

The midfielder had also come off the bench to score the stoppage-time winner against Portugal in the Round of 16, and once again delivered when his side needed him most.

The result sends Spain World Cup semi-finals hopes into reality, with a blockbuster meeting against France now awaiting in the last four after Didier Deschamps’ side defeated Morocco 2-0 in Thursday’s quarter-final.

Spain arrived in the quarter-finals as one of the tournament favourites after reaching the last eight without conceding a goal, underlining the defensive discipline that has complemented their trademark possession-based football.

Belgium, coached by Rudi Garcia, had impressed throughout the competition after eliminating co-hosts the United States in the Round of 16 and entering the quarter-finals with one of the tournament’s most prolific attacks.

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Despite pushing Spain throughout an intensely competitive encounter, Belgium were ultimately undone by another decisive contribution from Merino, whose late strike kept Spain’s World Cup dream alive and ended the Red Devils’ impressive campaign.