Spain booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Mikel Merino struck a dramatic late winner to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Belgium on Friday.
The victory also extended Spain’s unbeaten run to a national-record 36 matches and set up a blockbuster semi-final clash with France in Dallas on 14 July.
Merino once again proved Spain’s hero, poking home in the 88th minute after Belgium’s substitute goalkeeper, Senne Lammens, spilled what appeared to be a routine effort. Lammens had only moments earlier replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois.
It was another decisive intervention from the Arsenal midfielder, who has developed a reputation for scoring crucial goals on the biggest stage. He had previously netted extra-time and stoppage-time winners against Germany at UEFA Euro 2024 and Portugal in the Round of 16 of this tournament.
Spain had taken the lead through Fabián Ruiz, who capped a dominant spell with a composed finish to put Luis de la Fuente’s side ahead.
