Mikel Merino Sends Spain Into World Cup Semi-Finals After Late Drama Against Belgium

Spain booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring a late winner to break Belgian hearts. The quarter-final clash looked destined for extra time after both teams went into the final minutes level at 1-1, but Merino once again proved to be Spain’s match-winner. The Arsenal midfielder came off the bench and scored in the 88th minute, just moments after entering the pitch, to send La Roja into the last four. Spain started strongly and took control of the match in the opening stage

Spain booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring a late winner to break Belgian hearts. The quarter-final clash looked destined for extra time after both teams went into the final minutes level at 1-1, but Merino once again proved to be Spain’s match-winner. The Arsenal midfielder came off the bench and scored in the 88th minute, just moments after entering the pitch, to send La Roja into the last four. Spain started strongly and took control of the match in the opening stages. Their pressure was rewarded in the 30th minute when Fabian Ruiz reacted quickest after Thibaut Courtois saved an initial effort, firing the rebound into the net to give Spain the lead. Belgium responded quickly and restored parity before half-time. Charles De Ketelaere rose highest to head home Timothy Castagne’s cross in the 41st minute, ending Spain’s impressive defensive record at the tournament. The second half became a tense battle, with both sides searching for the decisive goal. Belgium suffered a major setback when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with an injury in the 71st minute. His replacement, Senne Lammens, struggled to settle into the game. That moment proved costly for Belgium. In the 88th minute, Pau Cubarsí’s long-range shot was spilled by Lammens, allowing Merino to react fastest and smash the rebound into the roof of the net. Lamine Yamal: Spain Ready for France Challenge Following the victory, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal expressed confidence ahead of Spain’s semi-final meeting with France. The Barcelona forward said Spain are not afraid of any opponent and respect France as one of the strongest teams in world football. “We don’t fear anyone. It’s clear that we are facing a great team, a world-class national team, and for me they are one of the best,” Yamal said. “We will give everything on the pitch and we’ll see what happens.” The 18-year-old will be one of Spain’s key players against France, with supporters expecting him to produce another memorable performance on the biggest stage. The victory continues Spain’s impressive tournament run and sets up a highly anticipated semi-final against France on Tuesday, 14 July, in Dallas. Despite progressing, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente will know his team must improve after another narrow victory. The European champions have shown resilience throughout the competition but are yet to reach their highest level. For Belgium, the defeat represents another painful chapter for their golden generation. Experienced stars including Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Thomas Meunier and Leandro Trossard may have played their final World Cup match as the team’s hopes of winning a major international trophy ended once again. Spain are now just two victories away from lifting their second World Cup trophy, but standing in their way is a powerful France side in what promises to be one of the biggest matches of the tournament.