Spain set up World Cup semi-final with France after late win against Belgium

Spain beat Belgium 2-1 in the World Cup quarter-final, with Mikel Merino scoring a late goal to send Spain into the semi-finals.

Spain's Mikel Merino celebrates scoring their second goal, Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, California, US, Jul 10, 2026. (Photo: REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach)

11 Jul 2026 05:12AM

(Updated: 11 Jul 2026 08:03AM)

INGLEWOOD: 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 on Friday (Jul 10).A spot in the Jul 19 final will be at stake when Spain plays France on Tuesday. 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.