Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals after Mikel Merino scored a dramatic late winner in a 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles.

Merino once again emerged as Spain's match-winner, finding the net in the 88th minute to send Luis de la Fuente's side into the last four. Spain will now take on France in a blockbuster semi-final on Tuesday.

Fabián Ruiz Gives Spain the Early Advantage

Spain controlled possession from the opening stages and eventually broke the deadlock after 30 minutes. Fabián Ruiz, who replaced Pedri in the starting lineup, scored from close range after Thibaut Courtois produced an excellent save to stop Dani Olmo. The rebound fell kindly to Ruiz, whose effort took a deflection off Timothy Castagne before finding the back of the net.

The goal rewarded Spain for their dominance during the first half.

Yamal Continues to Threaten

Young winger Lamine Yamal played a key role in Spain's attacking moves. After helping to create the opening goal, he forced Courtois into another impressive save from a dangerous free-kick. Moments later, he curled another effort just wide of the near post as Spain searched for a second goal.

Belgium Hit Back Before Half-Time

Despite spending much of the opening half under pressure, Belgium found an equaliser against the run of play. Four minutes before the break, Timothy Castagne delivered an inviting cross from the right wing. Charles De Ketelaere got in front of Pau Cubarsí and guided a header beyond Unai Simón to level the match.

The goal made Belgium the first team to score against Spain during the 2026 World Cup.

Courtois Injury Changes the Match

Belgium suffered a setback even before kickoff when captain Youri Tielemans picked up an injury during the warm-up. Kevin De Bruyne returned to the starting lineup and took over the captaincy. Their problems increased in the second half.

After making another fine save to deny Mikel Oyarzabal, Courtois appeared to injure his thigh. The experienced goalkeeper left the pitch in tears and was replaced by Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

Before Courtois went off, Belgium had begun to grow into the contest. Maxim De Cuyper even struck the side netting as they looked increasingly dangerous on the counter-attack.

Merino Delivers Another Decisive Goal

With extra time looking increasingly likely, Spain finally found the breakthrough in the closing minutes. Pau Cubarsí unleashed a powerful strike from around 20 yards that Lammens failed to hold. The loose ball fell perfectly for substitute Mikel Merino, who calmly smashed it into the roof of the net to seal Spain's victory.

Lammens' mistake proved costly as Spain celebrated another dramatic knockout win.

Merino Continues His Super-Sub Heroics

Merino has developed a reputation for producing decisive moments from the bench. Earlier this week, he scored the winning goal after coming on as a substitute against Portugal in the Round of 16. He repeated that feat against Belgium, becoming only the second Spanish substitute to score a winning goal in a World Cup knockout match.

The Arsenal midfielder also became the first Spain player to score two World Cup winning goals in the 80th minute or later.

Spain Deserved Their Victory

Although Belgium remained organised for much of the contest, Spain created far more chances. Luis de la Fuente's side finished with 17 shots and generated 2.08 expected goals (xG), while Belgium managed only five attempts and an xG of 0.37.

Belgium did produce some dangerous counter-attacks and became the first team to score against Spain at this World Cup. Before De Ketelaere's equaliser, Spain had gone six consecutive World Cup matches without conceding a goal, keeping opponents scoreless for 649 straight minutes—the longest such run in tournament history.

Spain Continue Perfect Knockout Record Under De la Fuente

The victory extended Spain's remarkable record under head coach Luis de la Fuente. Spain have now won all seven knockout matches they have played under him at major international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship.

Only legendary Italy manager Vittorio Pozzo has enjoyed a better start among European coaches, winning his first eight major tournament knockout matches between 1934 and 1938. Spain will now look to continue that impressive record when they face France for a place in the FIFA World Cup final 2026.