Spain booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Mikel Merino scored a late winner in a thrilling 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles.
Merino, who came off the bench in the closing stages, struck in the 88th minute to break Belgian hearts. The Arsenal midfielder was in the right place to score after substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled Pau Cubarsi’s powerful shot from outside the box.
The goal came just 117 seconds after Merino replaced Dani Olmo and was his second match-winning strike as a substitute in the tournament, following his stoppage-time winner against Portugal in the last 16.
Spain had dominated the early stages and took the lead after 30 minutes. Pedro Porro and Lamine Yamal combined well down the right before Porro’s cross found Olmo. Although Thibaut Courtois saved Olmo’s effort, Fabian Ruiz reacted quickest to score from the rebound.
Belgium responded strongly and levelled the match four minutes before half-time. Timothy Castagne delivered a fine cross into the box and Charles De Ketelaere rose above the defence to head past the Spanish goalkeeper.
The second half remained evenly balanced as both sides searched for a winner. Belgium thought they should have been awarded a penalty after the ball struck Rodri’s arm inside the area, but the referee allowed play to continue.
Belgium then suffered a huge blow when Courtois was forced off with an injury in the 71st minute. The experienced goalkeeper left the pitch in tears and was replaced by Lammens.
The change proved decisive. With extra time looking likely, Lammens failed to hold Cubarsi’s long-range effort and Merino reacted first to smash the loose ball into the net from close range.
Spain’s victory sends the 2010 world champions into the semi-finals, where they will take on France for a place in the World Cup final. Belgium, meanwhile, exit the competition after falling to another painful late defeat.
