Mikel Merino once again proved to be Spain’s super-sub as his 88th-minute winner secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in the World Cup 2026 quarter-final at Los Angeles Stadium on Thursday night.
The Arsenal midfielder, who also scored the decisive goal against Portugal in the round of 16, pounced on a spilled shot from Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens to send La Roja into the semi-finals for only the second time in their history. The last time Spain reached this stage was in 2010 — when they went on to lift the trophy.
Match Summary
Spain dominated possession from the first whistle and looked the more composed side throughout. Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring with a well-taken strike midway through the second half, reward for Spain’s sustained pressure.
But Belgium struck back against the run of play when Charles De Ketelaere rose highest to plant a powerful header past Unai Simon, bringing the Red Devils level and setting up a tense finale.
The game turned on a cruel stroke of misfortune for Belgium. Star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, arguably their best performer this tournament, was forced off with an injury, and his replacement — young Manchester United custodian Senne Lammens — endured a nightmare introduction. With minutes remaining, Lammens could only parry a fierce shot straight into the path of Merino, who showed ice-cool composure to slot home the winner.
Merino: The Impact Player
Speaking after the match, Merino said: “When it went into added time I was already thinking about extra time, and then it happens again. Coincidences don’t exist if you arrive prepared.”
Former England striker Wayne Rooney praised the Arsenal man on BBC One: “Mikel Merino is just one of those players who arrives at the right time, at the right moment in big games. Mistakes like that and you’re out of the tournament.”
Merino has now scored the winner in back-to-back knockout matches for Spain, cementing his reputation as one of the most effective impact substitutes in world football. Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock added: “He’s had less minutes than the star players but he’s arguably had the biggest impact — which is an incredible achievement.”
What’s Next: Spain vs France Semi-Final
Spain will now face France in the semi-final on Tuesday, July 14. France booked their place after Kylian Mbappé‘s stunning strike helped them overcome Morocco 2-0 in their quarter-final.
The winner will advance to the final on Sunday, July 19 to face either Norway or England (who meet in Saturday’s quarter-final) or the remaining quarter-final victors.
FAQ
Q: Who scored for Spain?
A: Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring and Mikel Merino netted the 88th-minute winner.
Q: Why wasn’t Thibaut Courtois playing?
A: Courtois was forced off with an injury in the second half and was replaced by Senne Lammens.
Q: When is the Spain vs France semi-final?
A: The match will be played on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 20:00 BST / 15:00 ET.
Q: Has Spain won the World Cup before?
A: Yes, Spain won the World Cup in 2010. They also won the European Championship in 1964, 2008, and 2024.
Upcoming World Cup 2026 Schedule
- Sat July 11 — Norway vs England (Quarter-final)
- Sun July 12 — Switzerland vs Colombia / Argentina vs Cape Verde (Quarter-finals)
- Tue July 14 — Spain vs France (Semi-final, 20:00 BST/15:00 ET)
- Wed July 15 — Semi-final (TBD)
- Sat July 18 — Third-place play-off
- Sun July 19 — World Cup 2026 Final
Stay tuned to PC Master Deals for more World Cup 2026 coverage!