Super-sub Mikel Merino scores another late winner as Spain end a 16-year wait for a FIFA World Cup semi-final.
DALLAS: Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals after substitute Mikel Merino scored a dramatic late winner in a 2-1 victory over Belgium on Friday, setting up a blockbuster last-four clash with France.
The victory sends La Roja into their first World Cup semi-final since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010. Spain will take on France in Dallas next Tuesday for a place in the final.
Merino once again emerged as Spain’s match-winner after also netting the decisive goal in the 1-0 Round of 16 victory over Portugal. Belgium had reached the quarter-finals with an impressive 4-1 win over co-hosts the United States.
Spain strike first
Spain dominated much of the opening half and deservedly took the lead in the 30th minute.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois initially denied Dani Olmo after a low cross from Pedro Porro, but Fabian Ruiz reacted quickest to convert the rebound and give Spain the advantage.
Belgium responded before half-time, drawing level in the 41st minute when Timothy Castagne delivered an inviting cross that Charles De Ketelaere headed beyond Unai Simon after outjumping defender Pau Cubarsi.
The goal ended Spain’s remarkable run of six consecutive World Cup clean sheets and brought an end to Simon’s 650-minute streak without conceding in World Cup competition.
Merino delivers again
Belgium suffered a major blow in the 71st minute when Courtois was forced off with an injury after making his 21st FIFA World Cup appearance, the second-highest total by a goalkeeper behind Germany’s Manuel Neuer, who has made 23 appearances.
Spain found the decisive breakthrough in the 88th minute, only two minutes after Merino entered the match.
Belgium substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold Cubarsi’s long-range effort, allowing Merino to pounce on the loose ball and calmly tap home the winner from close range.
The late strike secured a 2-1 victory and ended Spain’s 16-year wait for a place in the World Cup semi-finals.
Semi-final showdown awaits
The victory also extended Spain’s unbeaten run in regulation time to 36 matches, dating back to a 1-0 friendly defeat to Colombia in 2024.
Spain will now face France, who defeated Morocco 2-0 in the quarter-finals, in a highly anticipated semi-final between two of Europe’s footballing powerhouses, with a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final at stake.