Mikel Merino continued his remarkable impact off the bench by firing Spain into the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals with another decisive late goal, as La Roja edged Belgium 2-1 in their quarterfinal at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Friday.

Mikel Merino scored in the 88th minute on a rebound yielded by backup Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens, and Spain advanced to the World Cup semifinals with a 2-1 victory

Merino’s late strike ensured Spain reached the semi-final where they will face France