The 2026 FIFA World Cup served up another classic as Spain snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in the quarter-finals at Los Angeles Stadium, with Arsenal’s Mikel Merino emerging as the unlikely hero for the second consecutive match.
The Decisive Moment
With the score locked at 1-1 and extra time looming, substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens — brought on after an emotional Thibaut Courtois was forced off with what appeared to be a muscle injury in the 71st minute — spilled Pau Cubarsi’s long-range strike. Merino, on the pitch for just 117 seconds, reacted quickest to plant the rebound into the roof of the net from close range.
The 88th-minute winner marked Merino’s second consecutive match-winning intervention. In the Round of 16, he scored a 91st-minute header to sink Portugal 1-0.
How the Match Unfolded
Spain started brightly and took a deserved lead in the 30th minute. Pedro Porro combined beautifully with Lamine Yamal down the right before delivering a cross that found Dani Olmo. Though Courtois saved Olmo’s initial effort, Fabian Ruiz drilled the rebound through Timothy Castagne’s legs to give La Roja the lead.
Belgium responded swiftly. Just before half-time, Charles de Ketelaere powered home Castagne’s cross, ending Spain’s remarkable run of 649 minutes without conceding at this World Cup.
Rudi Garcia’s Belgium pushed for a winner in the second half, with Aymeric Laporte heading a cross onto Rodri’s arm inside the box, but no penalty was given. At the other end, Courtois denied Mikel Oyarzabal before his injury changed the game’s complexion entirely.
Spain’s Road Ahead
The victory sets up a blockbuster semi-final against France in Dallas on Tuesday, July 14 (8 PM BST / 3 PM ET). It will be Spain’s first World Cup semi-final since their triumphant 2010 campaign. Manager Luis de la Fuente’s side, the reigning European champions, are now just two wins from global glory.
France booked their semi-final spot with a dominant 2-0 victory over Morocco, with Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele on the scoresheet. Ian Wright described Deschamps’ Les Bleus as “one of the most clear favourites for a World Cup I have ever seen.”
Quarter-Finals Roundup
- France 2-0 Morocco — Mbappe, Dembele send France through
- Spain 2-1 Belgium — Merino 88th-minute winner
- England vs Norway — Saturday, July 11 (Miami)
- Argentina vs Switzerland — Saturday, July 11
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the World Cup 2026 final?
The final takes place on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at a venue yet to be confirmed among the remaining host stadiums.
Who are the favorites to win?
France and Spain are strong contenders in the top half of the draw. The winner of England vs Norway and Argentina vs Switzerland will battle for the other final spot. Erling Haaland (7 goals) and Harry Kane (6 goals) lead the Golden Boot race.
Upcoming Fixtures
- July 11 — England vs Norway (Quarter-Final, Miami)
- July 11 — Argentina vs Switzerland (Quarter-Final)
- July 14 — France vs Spain (Semi-Final, Dallas — 8 PM BST)
- July 15 — TBD vs TBD (Semi-Final, Atlanta)
- July 19 — World Cup 2026 Final
Stay tuned to PC Master Deals for the latest World Cup 2026 coverage and updates!