Spain booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging Belgium 2-1 in a thrilling quarter-final clash, setting up a blockbuster meeting with France in the last four.
La Roja produced another composed display to overcome the Red Devils, with Mikel Merino scoring a dramatic second-half winner to keep Spain’s hopes of lifting a second World Cup title alive.
Ruiz gives Spain the perfect start
Spain dominated the early exchanges and took a deserved lead through Fabián Ruiz, who finished clinically after a well-worked attacking move to put Luis de la Fuente’s side ahead.
The goal capped a bright opening spell for Spain, who controlled possession and dictated the tempo against a Belgium side dealing with an early setback.
Belgium fight back despite injury setbacks
Belgium were forced into a major blow before kick-off after captain Youri Tielemans suffered an injury during the warm-up and was ruled out of the match.
Despite the setback, the Red Devils found a way back into the contest through Charles De Ketelaere, who scored Belgium’s equaliser and handed Spain their first conceded goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Belgium’s problems worsened in the second half when first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off through injury, dealing another significant setback to Domenico Tedesco’s side.
Merino sends Spain into the semi-finals
With the match finely balanced, Mikel Merino emerged as Spain’s hero by scoring the decisive goal late in the second half to seal a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
The midfielder’s strike proved enough to send La Roja into the last four, where they will face France in what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the tournament.
Spain continue to impress with their blend of youthful energy and experienced leadership, while Belgium’s World Cup campaign comes to an end after an injury-hit quarter-final that saw them lose two of their most influential players.
The victory keeps Spain’s dream of adding a second FIFA World Cup crown to their 2010 triumph alive, while attention now turns to a mouthwatering semi-final showdown against Kylian Mbappe and France.
