Late Mikel Merino winner sends European champions into the FIFA World Cup semi-finals as Belgium suffer heartbreak after goalkeeping error.
By A1NEWS International
Inglewood, California — July 10, 2026
European champions Spain booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Belgium 2-1 in a pulsating quarter-final decided by a dramatic late goal from substitute Mikel Merino.
Played before a packed crowd at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, the contest showcased Spain’s trademark possession football against Belgium’s resilience, but ultimately ended in heartbreak for the Red Devils after a costly goalkeeping error in the closing minutes.
The victory sends Spain into one of the tournament’s most anticipated encounters—a heavyweight semi-final against France, led by superstar Kylian Mbappé, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Spain Dominate Early Proceedings
Spain controlled possession from the opening whistle, dictating the tempo through midfield orchestrators Rodri and Fabián Ruiz.
The European champions almost opened the scoring early when teenage sensation Lamine Yamal curled an effort narrowly wide after a series of intricate passing moves.
Belgium, meanwhile, suffered a significant setback before kickoff after captain Youri Tielemans sustained a hamstring injury during the warm-up, forcing coach Rudi Garcia to reshuffle an already depleted midfield following the earlier loss of Amadou Onana to injury.
The enforced changes allowed Spain to dominate the centre of the park for long periods.
Fabián Ruiz Breaks the Deadlock
Spain’s sustained pressure finally paid off in the 30th minute.
Full-back Pedro Porro combined brilliantly with Yamal before delivering a precise cut-back into the penalty area.
Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois produced an initial save from Dani Olmo, but the rebound fell kindly to Fabián Ruiz, who calmly fired into the net to give Spain a deserved lead.
The goal reflected Spain’s territorial dominance and fluid attacking movement throughout the first half.
Belgium Strike Back Before Half-Time
Despite spending much of the opening period defending, Belgium demonstrated why they remain one of Europe’s most dangerous teams.
Just four minutes before the interval, Kevin De Bruyne produced a trademark defence-splitting pass to Timothy Castagne, whose pinpoint cross found Charles De Ketelaere.
The striker rose above his marker to power a header past Spain’s goalkeeper, restoring parity against the run of play.
The goal also ended Spain’s remarkable defensive record, becoming the first goal they had conceded during the tournament.
Belgium nearly completed an unlikely turnaround moments later, but Spain recovered in time to avert further danger.
Second Half Produces End-to-End Drama
The second half developed into an increasingly open contest.
Spain continued creating chances through the lively Lamine Yamal, while Belgium looked increasingly dangerous on the counterattack.
Veteran striker Romelu Lukaku was introduced from the bench as Belgium sought another dramatic comeback, having previously benefited from his impact in earlier knockout matches.
Spain responded with renewed attacking intent, forcing Courtois into several important saves before misfortune struck Belgium once again.
Courtois Injury Changes the Match
Belgium’s fortunes suffered another major blow when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with an injury midway through the second half.
His replacement, Senne Lammens, was handed his FIFA World Cup debut under immense pressure.
The young goalkeeper initially coped well before becoming the unfortunate central figure in the decisive moment.
Merino Delivers Late Winner
With just two minutes remaining, Spain launched one final attack.
A low effort from Pau Cubarsí appeared straightforward for Lammens, but the goalkeeper failed to hold the ball securely.
Alert substitute Mikel Merino reacted quickest to the loose ball, smashing home the rebound to send Spanish supporters into celebration.
It marked Merino’s second consecutive decisive goal from the bench after his late heroics against Portugal in the previous round.
Belgium pushed desperately for another equaliser, with Alexis Saelemaekers creating one final opportunity, but Spain held firm until the final whistle.
Heartbreak for Belgium’s Golden Generation
The closing scenes reflected the contrasting emotions inside SoFi Stadium.
An emotional Courtois returned to comfort the distraught Lammens, whose unfortunate mistake ultimately proved decisive.
Several members of Belgium’s ageing “Golden Generation” were left visibly devastated as another opportunity to win a major international title slipped away.
For Spain, however, the celebrations were short-lived as attention immediately shifted toward an even greater challenge.
Blockbuster Semi-Final Awaits
Spain will now meet France in what many observers consider an early final.
The encounter promises to feature some of world football’s biggest stars, including Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Aurélien Tchouaméni and several other elite performers.
The winner will advance to the FIFA World Cup Final and move within one victory of football’s biggest prize.
Spain’s victory over Belgium once again demonstrated the fine margins that define knockout football. While Spain’s technical quality and relentless pressure eventually proved decisive, Belgium’s resilience ensured the contest remained balanced until the closing moments. As the European champions prepare for a mouth-watering semi-final against France, they remain firmly on course to add a FIFA World Cup crown to their recent continental success.
Leave a Reply