Mikel Merino once again came off the bench to snatch victory for Spain, scoring a dramatic 88th-minute winner against Belgium to send La Roja into the 2026 World Cup semi-finals. The European champions will now face France in a mouth-watering rematch of their Euro 2024 semi-final.
The Drama in Los Angeles
Spain dominated possession from the first whistle at the LA Stadium, and their patience paid off when Fabian Ruiz fired home from close range after Thibaut Courtois failed to parry a Dani Olmo shot. The goal vindicated Luis de la Fuente’s surprise decision to start Ruiz ahead of Pedri.
But Belgium struck back just before halftime — Charles De Ketelaere rose highest to head home a delightful Timothy Castagne cross, becoming the first player to score against Spain at this World Cup. The Red Devils grew in confidence, and when Courtois was forced off with a quadriceps injury early in the second half, Belgium looked poised to cause an upset.
Enter Mikel Merino. The Real Sociedad midfielder, who scored an injury-time winner in the round of 16 against Portugal, repeated the heroics with just two minutes of normal time remaining. A spilled shot from Senne Lammens fell perfectly for Merino, who slammed home to send the Spanish bench into pandemonium.
‘Tailor-Made for This Team’
Speaking after the match, Spain boss Luis de la Fuente heaped praise on his super-sub: “Merino has many virtues — he could play in any national team and any club, and for us he is tailor-made for this team, for this model. We know that whenever we need him, he’s always there.”
De la Fuente highlighted Merino’s versatility: “He’s played as a defensive midfielder, a number 6, a number 8, a number 10, and a number 9 — and he does everything well. His understanding of the game is exceptional for interpreting the team’s needs.”
Rodri earned Man of the Match honors with a dominant midfield performance controlling the tempo. Lamine Yamal showed flashes of brilliance with his trademark dribbles but frustratingly remains without a World Cup goal or assist. Teenage defender Pau Cubarsi bounced back from a shaky first half — his spilled shot directly led to Merino’s winner, making him an unlikely hero.
Belgium’s Heartbreak
For Belgium, the defeat was especially cruel. Thibaut Courtois left the pitch in tears after his quadriceps gave way, and replacement Senne Lammens’s late error proved decisive despite a solid performance up to that point. Courtois later told reporters: “I wanted to stay on. I gave everything.” Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku — introduced in the second half — couldn’t find the breakthrough as Spain’s defense held firm under late pressure.
Semi-Final: Spain vs France — A Rematch 2 Years in the Making
Spain now face France in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday, July 14 — a rematch of their epic Euro 2024 semi-final which Spain won 2-1 in Munich. France advanced after comfortably overcoming Portugal in their quarter-final, setting up a clash of European titans on American soil with a place in the World Cup final at stake.
The big question: will Merino finally earn a start, or will De la Fuente keep his super-sub ace up his sleeve for another late intervention?
Also in World Cup News: Sadio Mané Retires from International Football
In other major news, Senegal legend Sadio Mané has officially announced his retirement from international football after 14 years and 130 caps, following Senegal’s round-of-16 exit against Belgium. The 34-year-old former Liverpool superstar leaves as arguably Africa’s greatest-ever player, with two Africa Cup of Nations titles to his name. In an emotional farewell letter from Dakar, Mané wrote: “I sacrificed everything for this flag. I gave my best and I always fought fiercely for our country.” He plans to remain in football as a coach or administrator.
2026 World Cup — Remaining Fixtures
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Norway vs England (QF) | Sat, Jul 11 | Miami, FL |
| Argentina vs Switzerland (QF) | Sun, Jul 12 | New York, NY |
| Spain vs France (SF) | Tue, Jul 14 | Arlington, TX |
| Winner QF3 vs Winner QF4 (SF) | Wed, Jul 15 | Atlanta, GA |
| World Cup Final | Sun, Jul 19 | East Rutherford, NJ |
FAQ
Q: Who scored for Spain against Belgium in the World Cup quarter-final?
A: Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring in the 34th minute, and Mikel Merino scored the dramatic 88th-minute winner. Charles De Ketelaere equalized for Belgium just before halftime.
Q: When and where is Spain vs France in the World Cup semi-final?
A: Spain faces France on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The match kicks off at 8:00 PM ET.
Q: Why did Thibaut Courtois leave the game against Spain?
A: Courtois suffered a quadriceps injury early in the second half and was replaced by Senne Lammens. The Real Madrid goalkeeper was visibly devastated as he left the pitch.
Q: Has Sadio Mané really retired from Senegal?
A: Yes. Mané announced his retirement from international football at age 34 after 130 caps and 14 years of service, following Senegal’s round-of-16 elimination.