Main Match Story

Spain reached the World Cup 2026 semi-finals with another late victory, beating Belgium 2-1 at Los Angeles Stadium thanks to substitute Mikel Merino’s 88th-minute winner.

Fabian Ruiz gave Spain the lead in the 30th minute before Charles De Ketelaere headed Belgium level shortly before half-time, ending La Roja’s remarkable 649-minute run without conceding.

The decisive moment arrived after Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off injured. His replacement, Senne Lammens, spilled Pau Cubarsi’s long-range shot, and Merino pounced from close range only 117 seconds after coming on.

First-Half Analysis

Spain began with greater control and moved the ball confidently down the right. Pedro Porro combined with Lamine Yamal before delivering a cross into the area.

Dani Olmo’s initial effort was stopped by Courtois, but Fabian Ruiz reacted quickest and drilled the rebound through Timothy Castagne’s legs to give Spain the lead.

Belgium responded well despite arriving with midfield problems. Amadou Onana was already ruled out, while Youri Tielemans suffered an injury during the warm-up.

The equaliser came in the 41st minute when De Ketelaere stole in front of Cubarsi and powered Castagne’s cross beyond Unai Simon. It was the first goal Spain had conceded at the tournament.

Second-Half Analysis

The second half became tighter and more cautious. Belgium appealed for a penalty when Aymeric Laporte headed a cross onto Rodri’s arm, but the officials allowed play to continue.

At the other end, Mikel Oyarzabal had an effort blocked by Courtois, who continued to keep Belgium level until a muscle injury forced him off in tears in the 71st minute.

Lammens entered for only his third international appearance and immediately faced the pressure of a World Cup quarter-final.

With extra time approaching, Cubarsi tried his luck from 25 yards. Lammens failed to hold the shot, and Merino reacted sharply to lift the rebound into the roof of the net.

Key Turning Point

The turning point was Courtois’ injury. Belgium had defended with discipline and their goalkeeper had handled Spain’s threat well, but the enforced change proved decisive when Lammens spilled Cubarsi’s shot.

Key Events

• 30′ – Goal, Spain: Fabian Ruiz scored after Courtois saved Dani Olmo’s effort.
• 41′ – Goal, Belgium: Charles De Ketelaere headed in Timothy Castagne’s cross.
• Half-time: Spain 1-1 Belgium.
• Second half: Belgium appealed for handball against Rodri, but no penalty was awarded.
• 71′ – Belgium change: Thibaut Courtois left the pitch with a muscle injury.
• 88′ – Goal, Spain: Mikel Merino scored after Senne Lammens spilled Pau Cubarsi’s shot.
• Full-time: Spain 2-1 Belgium.

Spain Team Analysis

Spain again found a way without producing their most fluent performance. Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled long spells but created fewer clear chances than expected after taking the lead.

Merino’s impact was decisive for the second straight knockout round. After scoring the 91st-minute winner against Portugal, he again came off the bench to decide the match late.

Spain’s defensive record finally ended, but the response was important. They did not panic after De Ketelaere’s equaliser and kept enough control to stay in the game.

La Roja will need a higher attacking level against France, but their composure and bench strength remain major assets.

Belgium Team Analysis

Belgium exit with deep regret after pushing Spain close despite difficult circumstances. The losses of Onana and Tielemans weakened their midfield before kick-off, yet Rudi Garcia’s side remained competitive throughout.

De Ketelaere continued his excellent tournament by scoring the equaliser, while Courtois made several important interventions before injury ended his night.

The decisive mistake came from Lammens, but it would be harsh to place the entire defeat on a goalkeeper entering such a high-pressure match with little international experience.

For several members of Belgium’s golden generation, this may have been the final World Cup appearance.

Final Score

Full-time: Spain 2-1 Belgium.

Half-time: Spain 1-1 Belgium.

Goals: Fabian Ruiz 30′, Mikel Merino 88′; Charles De Ketelaere 41′.

Assist: Timothy Castagne 41′.

Venue: Los Angeles Stadium.

Attendance: 70,492.

What This Result Means

Spain advance to face France in the World Cup 2026 semi-finals in Dallas on Tuesday, 14 July.

Belgium are eliminated in the quarter-finals, extending their long wait for a first major international trophy.

Man of the Match

Mikel Merino. The midfielder entered late and scored the decisive goal within 117 seconds, repeating his last-16 heroics against Portugal.

Hot Stat

Merino has scored match-winning goals after coming off the bench in consecutive World Cup knockout matches.

Final Analysis

Spain 2-1 Belgium was another example of La Roja’s tournament resilience. They were not at their sharpest, their clean-sheet run ended and Belgium made them uncomfortable, but Spain again found the decisive late moment.

Belgium were brave and well organised, yet Courtois’ injury changed the match. Merino’s instinctive finish now sends Spain into a major semi-final against France, where they will need to raise their level again.