Substitute Mikel Merino scored in the 88th minute to snatch a 2-1 victory for Spain over injury-hit Belgium on Friday, booking a semifinal showdown with France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Inglewood, California.
Late Drama at Los Angeles Stadium
With the match tied 1-1, Belgium's backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens—who replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois at halftime—failed to hold Pau Cubarsi's low strike. The ball bounced in front of the keeper, allowing Merino to fire home as the sold-out crowd erupted on a sweltering day.
This marks only the second time Spain have reached the World Cup semifinals; the first was in 2010 when they won the tournament. Their fourth-place finish in 1950 came when the final round was a group stage.
Spain's Aggressive Start
Spain dominated early, and Fabian Ruiz gave them the lead in the 30th minute. After Courtois made a diving save, Ruiz pounced, firing a shot between defender Timothy Castagne's legs into the net. Ruiz's goal vindicated coach Luis de la Fuente's surprise decision to start the Paris St. Germain midfielder over Pedri, who replaced Ruiz early in the second half.
Belgium equalized 11 minutes later through Charles De Ketelaere, who timed his run perfectly and headed Castagne's cross past goalkeeper Unai Simon. It was the first goal Spain conceded in the tournament.
Second-Half Battle
The equalizer energized Belgium, and the teams battled to halftime in oppressive heat. Spain came out stronger after the break, chipping away at the Belgian defense until Merino—introduced after 86 minutes—finally broke through.
Belgium captain Youri Tielemans was withdrawn from the starting lineup shortly before kickoff after sustaining an injury in the warm-up, with Hans Vanaken replacing him. Belgium also missed midfielder Amadou Onana, who tore his ACL in the round-of-16 win over the United States.
Celebrity Attendance and Next Match
Among the attendees at the sold-out stadium were musicians Courtney Love and Noel Gallagher, American actor Brad Pitt, and Spanish actors Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem.
European champions Spain will face tournament favorites France in Dallas on Tuesday for a spot in the final.
