Spain's Mikel Merino, Rodri and others celebrate after Merino scored his side's second goal during the World Cup quarterfinal match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, on July 10, 2026
| Photo Credit: AP
Mikel Merino came off the bench again to save Spain, scoring the go-ahead goal in the 88th minute to defeat Belgium 2-1 in a World Cup quarterfinal in Inglewood, California, on Friday (July 10, 2026).A spot in the July 19 final will be at stake when Spain plays France in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday (July 14). The French are seeking a third straight trip to the final having won in 2018 before losing on penalties to Argentina four years ago.Merino, who was on the field less than six minutes before scoring the winner in second-half stoppage time against Portugal in the round of 16 on Monday, entered in the 86th minute and smashed in a rebound after substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled a soft shot by Pau Cubarsi.Lammens replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois (four saves) in the 71st minute.
Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere celebrates scoring their first goal during the World Cup quarterfinal match between Spain and Belgium
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