Los Angeles, USA: Mikel Merino once again emerged as Spain’s hero, scoring a dramatic late winner as La Roja defeated Belgium 2-1 on Friday night to book a date with France in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Arsenal midfielder, who also struck the decisive stoppage-time goal against Portugal in the Round of 16, came off the bench to net the winner in the 88th minute after Belgium substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to deal with a powerful effort from Pau Cubarsí.
The European champions dominated possession for much of the contest at Los Angeles Stadium and were rewarded in the 30th minute when Fabián Ruiz reacted quickest to convert after Lammens’ predecessor, Thibaut Courtois, had parried Dani Olmo’s initial effort.
Belgium responded positively and drew level four minutes before the interval through Charles De Ketelaere, who powered home a header after an excellent move orchestrated by captain Kevin De Bruyne, ending Spain’s impressive run of more than 650 World Cup minutes without conceding a goal.
Spain resumed control after the restart, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal repeatedly stretching Belgium’s defence while Rodri and Ruiz dictated the tempo in midfield.
Belgium’s hopes suffered a major setback when Courtois was forced off with a thigh injury late in the second half, leaving debutant goalkeeper Lammens to take over in one of the biggest matches of his career.
Just minutes later, Spain found the breakthrough.
Cubarsí unleashed a fierce drive from distance that Lammens could only spill into the path of Merino, who reacted instinctively to slot home his second consecutive knockout-stage winner and send the Spanish bench into wild celebrations.
Belgium threw bodies forward in search of another equaliser, with Romelu Lukaku and De Bruyne leading a late assault, but Spain’s disciplined defence held firm to preserve the victory.
The result extends Spain’s remarkable unbeaten run to 37 matches dating back to March 2023 and sends them into their first FIFA World Cup semi-final since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.
Spain will now face France in a mouth-watering semi-final after Didier Deschamps’ side defeated Morocco 2-0 on Thursday, setting up a clash between two of the tournament favourites.
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