Spain are through to the 2026 World Cup semi-finals after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles, with super-sub Mikel Merino once again proving to be the hero for La Roja.
The European champions dominated possession from the first whistle at the SoFi Stadium, and their patient approach paid off when Fabian Ruiz fired home from close range after Thibaut Courtois failed to parry a Dani Olmo shot.
But Belgium struck back just before half-time. Charles De Ketelaere rose brilliantly to head home a delightful Timothy Castagne cross, making Belgium the first team to score against Spain at this summer’s World Cup.
Merino Magic Strikes Again
The game remained finely poised throughout the second half, with both sides pushing for a winner. Spain kept probing while Belgium grew in confidence, but with just two minutes of normal time remaining, the decisive moment arrived.
Mikel Merino — who had scored an injury-time winner against Portugal in the previous round — pounced on a shocking error from Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who had replaced the injured Courtois, to fire Spain into the last four.
The Real Sociedad midfielder has now cemented his reputation as Spain’s ultimate impact substitute, delivering back-to-back knockout stage winners from the bench.
Rodri the Maestro
Manchester City’s Rodri was the standout performer, pulling the strings in midfield with an 8/10 performance. Everything Spain did flowed through the midfield metronome, who also created several chances with his pinpoint passing.
Barcelona teenager Pau Cubarsi looked rattled for the first time in the tournament when De Ketelaere got ahead of him to nod Belgium level, but the 19-year-old redeemed himself completely by forcing the spilled shot that led to Spain’s winner.
Lamine Yamal, despite not adding to his goal tally, showcased breathtaking touches and tested Courtois on multiple occasions before the Belgian goalkeeper was forced off with an apparent injury.
What’s Next: France Semi-Final Showdown
Spain now face France in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday in a mouth-watering rematch of the Euro 2024 semi-final, which La Roja won 2-1 on their way to lifting the trophy in Germany.
Luis de la Fuente’s men will be full of confidence after showing the resilience and depth needed to go all the way, but France — led by Kylian Mbappé — will provide their toughest test yet.
World Cup Quarter-Final Action Continues
The drama doesn’t stop there. Later today, Norway face England in Miami in what promises to be a blockbuster quarter-final. Erling Haaland has attempted to shift the pressure onto England, insisting Thomas Tuchel’s side remain the clear favourites despite Norway’s impressive run that included a stunning victory over Brazil.
Haaland will face his Manchester City teammates John Stones and Marc Guehi in what he described as a “weird” and “special” occasion.
FAQ
Who scored for Spain against Belgium?
Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring in the first half, while super-sub Mikel Merino grabbed the dramatic 88th-minute winner.
When is Spain vs France in the World Cup semi-final?
The semi-final will be played on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 in Arlington, Texas.
Who will Spain face if they beat France?
The winner of Spain vs France will face the winner of the Argentina vs Portugal / Norway vs England side of the draw in the World Cup final.
Upcoming World Cup Fixtures
📅 Saturday July 11 — Norway vs England (Quarter-Final, Miami)
📅 Sunday July 12 — Argentina vs Portugal (Quarter-Final)
📅 Tuesday July 14 — Spain vs France (Semi-Final, Arlington)
📅 Wednesday July 15 — Semi-Final 2
📅 Sunday July 19 — World Cup Final ⭐
Spain’s squad depth, with match-winners like Merino coming off the bench, makes them genuine contenders for a second World Cup title. But France, England, Argentina, and a resurgent Norway side all have plenty to say about that.