Spain are through to the semi finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 2–1 victory over Belgium in a pulsating quarterfinal encounter that was decided by substitute Mikel Merino’s late strike.
The European giants produced another composed and resilient display at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, overcoming a determined Belgian side to continue their impressive march toward a second FIFA World Cup title. The victory also extended Spain’s remarkable unbeaten run to 37 matches under head coach Luis de la Fuente, further strengthening their credentials as one of the favourites to lift football’s biggest prize.
The quarterfinal brought together two talented European nations with contrasting styles. Spain relied on their trademark possession based football, while Belgium looked to hurt their opponents through quick transitions, physicality and the creativity of captain Kevin De Bruyne.
From the opening whistle, Spain controlled possession with confidence. Rodri dictated play from midfield, while young sensation Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo repeatedly stretched Belgium’s defensive line with intelligent movement and incisive passing.
Belgium, however, remained dangerous on the counterattack. Jeremy Doku’s pace caused occasional problems down the flanks, while Charles De Ketelaere constantly searched for spaces behind Spain’s defence.
Spain’s dominance was finally rewarded in the 30th minute.
Following another flowing attacking move, Fabián Ruiz found space inside the penalty area before producing a composed finish that beat Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to give La Roja a deserved 1–0 advantage. The goal reflected Spain’s superiority during the opening half hour and energized the thousands of Spanish supporters inside the stadium.
Belgium refused to be discouraged by the setback.
Instead, Domenico Tedesco’s men gradually grew into the contest and began pressing Spain higher up the pitch. Their persistence paid off in the 41st minute when Charles De Ketelaere calmly converted Belgium’s best attacking move of the first half to level the score at 1–1.
The goal was particularly significant because it ended Spain’s impressive defensive record, becoming the first goal the Spanish team had conceded throughout the tournament. It also injected fresh confidence into Belgium as both teams headed into halftime with everything still to play for.
The second half developed into a tense tactical battle.
Spain continued dominating possession but found Belgium increasingly difficult to break down. Rodri and Fabián Ruiz maintained control in midfield, while Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte produced several important defensive interventions to prevent Belgium from launching dangerous attacks.
Luis de la Fuente introduced fresh legs from the bench as Spain searched for a breakthrough, with substitute Mikel Merino eventually proving to be the match winner.
Belgium suffered a major setback in the 71st minute when experienced goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with a thigh injury. The Real Madrid star left the field visibly emotional and was replaced by Senne Lammens, a substitution that would later prove decisive.
As the match appeared destined for extra time, Spain produced one final attacking surge.
Only two minutes after coming off the bench, Mikel Merino capitalised on a rebound that substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to deal with, calmly firing home in the 88th minute to restore Spain’s lead and send their supporters into wild celebrations.
Belgium threw everything forward during seven minutes of added time.
Kevin De Bruyne orchestrated several dangerous attacks, while Spain defended desperately to preserve their narrow advantage. The Spanish backline remained disciplined under immense pressure, with goalkeeper Unai Simón also making crucial interventions to deny Belgium a dramatic equaliser.
When referee Michael Oliver finally blew the final whistle, Spanish players celebrated another memorable victory that moved them one step closer to World Cup glory.
Merino’s decisive goal continued his remarkable run in the knockout stages. The midfielder had also scored the winning goal against Portugal in the Round of 16, once again demonstrating his ability to deliver in decisive moments.
The victory highlighted the balance within Spain’s squad.
Experienced stars such as Rodri, Fabián Ruiz and Dani Olmo combined effectively with exciting young talents including Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, illustrating why Luis de la Fuente’s side has become one of the tournament’s standout teams.
Spain finished the contest with greater possession, superior passing accuracy and sustained attacking pressure, although Belgium remained dangerous throughout and deserved credit for pushing the European champions until the closing minutes.
For Belgium, the defeat marked another painful exit despite an impressive tournament campaign. Charles De Ketelaere continued his outstanding World Cup with another goal, while Kevin De Bruyne once again displayed his quality in midfield. However, injuries and missed opportunities ultimately prevented the Red Devils from reaching the last four.
Spain will now face France in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup semi final, setting up a mouthwatering showdown between two of Europe’s strongest football nations. With confidence soaring and momentum firmly on their side, Luis de la Fuente’s men will believe they have every chance of taking another giant step toward lifting the World Cup trophy for the second time in their history.
