Spain beat Belgium by 2-1 in World Cup 2026 to secure their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals after substitute Mikel Merino scored a dramatic late winner against Belgium. The thrilling quarterfinal victory means Spain will now face France in one of the tournament’s most anticipated semifinal clashes after edging past the Red Devils in the closing moments.

The victory continued Spain’s impressive unbeaten run in the tournament and highlighted the squad’s resilience, with Mikel Merino once again making a decisive impact from the bench. Belgium, meanwhile, were left heartbroken after a brave performance ended in defeat following an unfortunate error from substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

Spain vs Belgium delivers dramatic World Cup quarterfinal

The Spain vs Belgium encounter lived up to expectations as both European giants battled for a place in the last four of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Spain entered the match as one of the tournament favourites after an impressive defensive campaign, having not conceded a single goal throughout the competition. Belgium, however, arrived determined to end Spain’s remarkable run and book their own place in the semifinals.

Both sides created opportunities early on, but Spain controlled possession and dictated the tempo for much of the first half.

Fabian Ruiz goal gives Spain the lead

Midfield dominance rewarded

Spain finally broke the deadlock in the 30th minute through a Fabian Ruiz goal.

The move began when Pedro Porro delivered a dangerous cut-back from the right flank. Dani Olmo’s initial effort was brilliantly saved by Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, but Ruiz reacted quickest to the rebound and calmly slotted the ball into the net.

The goal rewarded Spain’s dominance and looked set to send them into halftime with a deserved advantage.

However, Belgium refused to back down.

Belgium fight back before halftime

Belgium equalised in the 41st minute through Charles De Ketelaere.

Timothy Castagne delivered a perfectly weighted cross into the penalty area where De Ketelaere rose highest to head past Spain’s goalkeeper.

The goal was significant for more than just restoring parity.

It ended Spain’s remarkable World Cup defensive record of 649 consecutive minutes without conceding a goal, one of the longest streaks in tournament history.

Belgium entered halftime full of confidence after frustrating Spain’s attacking stars.

Injury blow changes Belgium’s plans

Thibaut Courtois forced off

Belgium suffered a major setback midway through the second half when experienced goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with what appeared to be a thigh injury.

Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens replaced the veteran in the 71st minute.

Although Lammens made several important saves, his unfortunate mistake in the closing minutes proved decisive.

Belgium continued defending bravely while also searching for a winning goal through quick counter-attacks.

Mikel Merino strikes again

Super substitute delivers once more

Spain introduced Mikel Merino in the 86th minute as they searched desperately for a breakthrough.

Just two minutes later, Merino became Spain’s hero.

Pau Cubarsi unleashed a powerful effort from outside the penalty area which substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold onto cleanly.

Merino reacted instantly, racing into the six-yard box before calmly finishing the rebound into the net in the 88th minute.

It was the Arsenal midfielder’s second consecutive match-winning contribution after he also came off the bench to score the decisive goal against Portugal in the Round of 16.

His ability to produce under pressure has become one of Spain’s biggest strengths during the tournament.

Belgium’s late pressure falls short

Following Merino’s goal, Belgium threw everything forward in search of another equaliser.

Several crosses into the penalty area caused nervous moments for Spain’s defence.

Belgium’s best opportunity came when Aymeric Laporte attempted to clear under pressure, but the Spanish defence recovered before the visitors could capitalise.

Despite several attacks during stoppage time, Spain managed the closing minutes professionally to secure a famous victory.

The final whistle confirmed Spain’s place among the final four teams in the competition.

France World Cup semifinal awaits

Blockbuster European clash

The victory means Spain will now face France in the France World Cup semifinal, setting up one of the biggest matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

France booked their place after defeating Morocco 2-0 thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.

Football fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the semifinal between two of Europe’s strongest national teams.

Both sides possess world-class talent capable of deciding the match in an instant.

Spain will rely on their patient possession-based football, while France will look to exploit their pace and attacking quality.

Spain continue impressive FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign

Spain have quietly emerged as one of the most complete teams in the tournament.

Their defence remained nearly impenetrable until Belgium finally found a breakthrough in the quarterfinals.

Coach Luis de la Fuente has successfully blended experienced internationals with exciting young players, creating one of the tournament’s most balanced squads.

Players such as Fabian Ruiz, Dani Olmo, Aymeric Laporte and Mikel Merino have all delivered crucial performances during Spain’s impressive run.

The team’s tactical discipline, depth and composure have made them genuine contenders to lift the FIFA World Cup trophy.

Belgium bow out with pride

Belgium’s World Cup journey comes to an end despite another determined display against elite opposition.

The Red Devils battled throughout the contest and created opportunities that could easily have changed the outcome.

The injury to Thibaut Courtois proved particularly costly, while Senne Lammens will undoubtedly feel unfortunate that his late error ultimately decided such an important match.

Nevertheless, Belgium can take positives from a campaign in which they pushed one of the tournament favourites until the final moments.

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Looking ahead to the semifinals

With Spain joining France in the last four, the FIFA World Cup 2026 now enters its decisive stage.

Spain will hope Mikel Merino can continue his remarkable impact from the bench, while France will rely on stars including Kylian Mbappe to reach another World Cup final.

The semifinal promises world-class football, tactical battles and elite individual performances as two European powerhouses compete for a place in the championship match.

After defeating Belgium 2-1 in dramatic fashion, Spain have demonstrated they possess both the quality and resilience needed to challenge for football’s biggest prize. The stage is now set for an unforgettable semifinal against France, with a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final hanging in the balance.

Mainstream Media References

1. FIFA – Merino books Spain semi-final with France
   https://www.fifa.com/en/articles/spain-belgium-match-report-highlights
2. Associated Press (AP News) – Mikel Merino stars again as Spain edges Belgium 2-1 in the World Cup quarterfinals
   https://apnews.com/article/780243a17571b6b2b26074b66feec90a
3. The Guardian – Spain 2-1 Belgium: World Cup 2026 quarter-final – as it happened
   https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jul/10/spain-v-belgium-world-cup-2026-quarter-final-live