Mikel Merino has done it once more. The Spanish super-sub scored a dramatic 88th-minute winner to send Spain into the World Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday.
Match Summary
Spain dominated the first half and took a deserved lead through Fabián Ruiz in the 31st minute, who converted the rebound after Thibaut Courtois parried Dani Olmo’s effort. But Belgium struck back just before half-time, with Charles De Ketelaere heading home a Timothy Castagne cross in the 41st minute — the first goal Spain had conceded in the entire tournament.
The second half was a tense affair. Belgium defended resolutely, but their resistance was fatally weakened when Courtois was forced off with a thigh injury in the 71st minute, leaving the field in tears. His replacement, Senne Lammens, could not hold Pau Cubarsí’s speculative 88th-minute effort, and Merino — on the pitch for less than two minutes — pounced on the rebound to fire home the winner.
The Golden Generation’s Swan Song
For Belgium, this defeat likely marks the end of an era. Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Axel Witsel, and the injured Courtois — all veterans of the 2014 World Cup campaign — are unlikely to feature at another tournament together. Manager Rudi Garcia’s side fought valiantly, recovering from a difficult group stage to push the European champions all the way, but the injury curse that has haunted this golden generation struck at the worst possible moment.
Merino, who also scored crucial late winners against Germany and Portugal earlier in the tournament, dedicated the goal to his two-month-old son Marco. “As he wasn’t there for the quarter-finals, I had to do it in the semi-final too so he could experience it as well,” the Real Sociedad midfielder said after the match.
What’s Next?
Spain advance to face France in the semi-finals after Kylian Mbappé’s stunning strike ended Morocco’s resistance 2-0 on Thursday. The other side of the draw sees England face Norway in Saturday’s quarter-final, while Argentina take on Switzerland.
Upcoming World Cup 2026 Schedule:
- Saturday, July 11: England vs Norway (Quarter-Final)
- Sunday, July 12: Argentina vs Switzerland (Quarter-Final)
- Tuesday, July 14: France vs Spain (Semi-Final)
- Sunday, July 19: World Cup Final
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored the winning goal for Spain?
Mikel Merino scored the winner in the 88th minute, his third crucial late goal of the tournament after coming off the bench.
What happened to Thibaut Courtois?
The Belgium goalkeeper suffered a thigh injury in the 71st minute and was substituted in tears. His absence proved decisive as his replacement Senne Lammens spilled the shot that led to the winning goal.
When do Spain play in the semi-final?
Spain will face France in the semi-final on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.