World Cup 2026 Spain Beat Belgium 2-1 to Reach the Semi-Finals

SPAIN · WORLD CUP

Mikel Merino struck late once again to send Spain past Belgium and into a blockbuster World Cup semi-final with France.

World Cup 2026 Spain edge a thriller

Spain beat Belgium 2-1 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles to reach the World Cup semi-finals. Mikel Merino’s late goal proved the difference in a tight quarter-final.

The quarter-final stage of a World Cup represents the point where tournament favorites must prove their credentials under maximum pressure. Only eight teams remain, and a single mistake can end months of preparation and national dreams.

The sides could not be separated for most of a gripping contest. It took a moment of persistence deep in the second half to settle it.

Spain march on to face France in the last four. Belgium are left to rue a night of fine margins.

It was a result built on patience and composure under pressure. Spain refused to panic even when the breakthrough would not come.

Traded goals before the break

The first half produced two goals and plenty of quality. Fabián Ruiz found the net for Spain before Charles De Ketelaere levelled for Belgium.

Both teams looked capable of causing the other problems. The contest was finely poised at 1-1 at the interval.

It set up a tense and open second half. Neither side was willing to settle for extra time.

Spain saw more of the ball and probed patiently for openings. Belgium remained a threat on the counter with their attacking talent.

Courtois forced off

Belgium suffered a significant blow when Thibaut Courtois went off injured. The goalkeeper was visibly emotional as he left the pitch.

Goalkeeper injuries during knockout matches create unique challenges because substitutions are limited and replacement keepers rarely have match rhythm. The psychological impact on a defense can be just as damaging as the tactical shift.

Senne Lammens was introduced in his place for the closing stages. The change would prove costly for Belgium.

Losing a goalkeeper of Courtois’s calibre is a heavy setback. Spain sensed an opportunity as the game wore on.

Lammens had little time to settle into the contest. Spain immediately looked to test the replacement keeper.

Merino strikes at the death

The decisive moment arrived in the 88th minute through Mikel Merino. He pounced on a rebound after Lammens could only parry a Spanish effort.

The goal sparked jubilant Spanish celebrations at SoFi Stadium. Belgium had no time to respond.

It was a cruel way for Belgium to lose after such a committed display. Spain, though, will not care how they got over the line.

The winner rewarded Spain’s relentless second-half pressure. They had knocked on the door and finally forced it open.

The numbers behind the win

According to FIFA’s official match centre, Spain pressed for a winner throughout the second half and were rewarded late on. Belgium had defended stoutly until the closing minutes.

By The Rio Times’ reading, Merino is quietly becoming Spain’s man for the big moment. He also scored the stoppage-time winner that knocked out Portugal in the last 16.

Spain’s ability to win tight games points to genuine title credentials. They have found different ways to get results in this tournament.

Their young side has handled the biggest occasions with maturity. That temperament could prove decisive in the closing rounds.

A semi-final for the ages awaits

Spain advance to a semi-final against France in Dallas. It is a meeting of two of the tournament’s strongest sides.

France reached the last four with a comfortable win over Morocco. The clash promises to be one of the games of the World Cup.

Both nations arrive in Dallas rich in form and confidence. A place in the World Cup final will be the prize.

The match will test whether Spain’s possession-based approach can overcome France’s blend of defensive organization and attacking speed. How each team adapts tactically could determine who reaches the final.

Why it matters

Spain are into the semi-finals and dreaming of another world title. Their blend of youth and control has impressed throughout.

For Belgium, another deep run ends without the prize their talent has long promised. The wait for a first World Cup goes on.

Losing their goalkeeper at such a crucial moment will only sharpen the regret. Belgium can feel they deserved more from the night.

The result raises questions about whether Belgium’s current generation will get another chance at this level. It also highlights how tournament football often turns on moments beyond any team’s control.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score in World Cup 2026 Spain vs Belgium?

Spain won 2-1 in Los Angeles. Mikel Merino scored the late winner.

Who scored for Spain?

Fabián Ruiz scored in the first half and Mikel Merino struck the winner. Charles De Ketelaere had equalised for Belgium.

Did Belgium lose their goalkeeper?

Yes. Thibaut Courtois went off injured and was replaced by Senne Lammens in the second half.

Are Belgium out of the World Cup?

Yes. The defeat eliminated Belgium in the quarter-finals.

Who do Spain play next?

Spain face France in the semi-finals in Dallas. It is a repeat of many recent major-tournament meetings.