Merino Strikes Late as Spain Edge Belgium to Reach World Cup Semi-finals

By Charles Maduka

Spain booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Mikel Merino scored a dramatic late winner in a 2-1 victory over Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday.

Merino came off the bench to score in the 88th minute after Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold Pau Cubarsi’s long-range shot, allowing the Arsenal midfielder to fire into the roof of the net and send Spain into a semi-final clash against France.

Spain took the lead in the 30th minute through Fabian Ruiz. Dani Olmo’s effort was saved by Thibaut Courtois, but Ruiz reacted quickly to score from the rebound, with the ball taking a slight deflection off Timothy Castagne.

Belgium responded just before half-time when Charles De Ketelaere headed home Castagne’s cross to become the first player to score against Spain at the 2026 World Cup.

The second half remained closely contested, with Belgium defending well while looking dangerous on the counterattack. However, the match changed when Courtois suffered a thigh injury after making another important save and was forced off the pitch in tears. Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens replaced him.

Lammens’ difficult introduction proved costly in the closing minutes when he spilled Cubarsi’s powerful shot into the path of Merino, who calmly finished to seal Spain’s victory.

The goal continued Merino’s impressive impact as a substitute after he also scored the winning goal in Spain’s Round of 16 victory over Portugal. He has now become the first Spanish player to score two winning goals after the 80th minute in World Cup matches.

Spain dominated the match, finishing with 17 shots and an expected goals (xG) value of 2.08, while Belgium managed only five shots with an xG of 0.37.

Despite the defeat, Belgium ended Spain’s remarkable run of six consecutive World Cup clean sheets, with De Ketelaere’s equaliser becoming the first goal Spain had conceded in the tournament.

Spain have now won all seven knockout matches under coach Luis de la Fuente at major tournaments and will face France in the semi-finals as they continue their bid for another World Cup title.

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