Spain Secures 2-1 Victory over Belgium
Los Angeles, (July 10, 2026) — A dramatic 88th-minute strike from substitute Mikel Merino propelled Spain into the World Cup semi-finals, breaking Belgian hearts in a tense 2-1 thriller at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday night.
Merino, who had only just entered the pitch, capitalised on a rare handling error from backup Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Lammens spilled a routine long shot directly into the path of the Spanish midfielder, who swept the ball home from close range to settle a tactical, high-stakes encounter.
For long periods, the match looked destined for extra time. Spain dominated the early proceedings, dictating the tempo with a staggering 68% of the possession. Their relentless pressure paid off in the 30th minute when Fabián Ruiz pounced on a loose rebound in the penalty box to fire La Roja into a well-deserved lead.
However, Belgium responded with immense resilience. Despite being starved of the ball, Domenico Tedesco’s men fought back, punishing a lapse in the Spanish defence just before the break. In the 41st minute, Charles De Ketelaere rose highest to meet a swinging cross, powering a brilliant header past Unai Simón to level the score. It was the first goal Spain had conceded in the entire tournament.
The second half turned into a grueling mental battle. While Spain continued to probe, a disciplined Belgian defensive block restricted clear-cut opportunities. The defining turning point arrived in the 71st minute when Belgium’s talismanic goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, went down clutching his thigh. He was forced off with an apparent injury, thrusting the inexperienced Lammens into the high-pressure environment.
The psychological toll of defending for over an hour took its visible toll on the Red Devils, who appeared hesitant and fatigued in the closing stages. Spain’s continuous pressure finally cracked the Belgian resolve with Merino’s late winner, denying Belgium a historic semi-final berth.
“We fought until the very end, but playing against a team like Spain requires absolute perfection for 90 minutes,” a disappointed De Ketelaere said post-match.
Spain now marches on to face tournament favorites France in a blockbuster semi-final clash in Dallas on Tuesday, July 14. For Belgium, a valiant World Cup run ends in the cruelest of fashions.
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