Sports Desk, Daily Agrabarta
Spain have booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals, coming from behind to beat Belgium 2-1 in a tense quarter-final in Inglewood, California. Substitute Mikel Merino settled the contest in the 88th minute, scoring his second consecutive late winner of the tournament to send Spain through to face France in Dallas.
An Even Contest Turns on Fine Margins
Fabián Ruiz gave Spain an early lead in the 30th minute, capitalising after Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois failed to fully clear an initial save. Belgium responded well and drew level through Charles De Ketelaere in the 41st minute, setting up a tightly poised second half.
Spain dominated territory and possession for long stretches, finishing the match with 68 percent of the ball and more than double Belgium’s number of accurate passes, yet could not find a second goal until deep into the closing stages. It was Merino, introduced from the bench, who once again proved decisive. His pattern of impact substitute appearances continued a theme from earlier in the tournament, where he had also scored a late winner against Portugal in the round of 16.
Late Drama and a Costly Rebound
The goal itself came from a passage of pressure that Belgium had otherwise defended well. Pau Cubarsí struck from outside the box, substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens got a hand to the shot but could only push it back into danger, and Merino was quickest to react, firing home the rebound to make it 2-1 with the clock running down.
Spain held on for the remaining minutes to seal their first World Cup semi-final appearance since they won the tournament in 2010. Head coach Luis de la Fuente struck a serious tone afterward, making clear his side has bigger ambitions than simply reaching the last four, and acknowledged that facing a dominant French team in the semi-final will demand a complete performance from his players.
What’s Next
Spain will meet France in Dallas, in what promises to be a heavyweight semi-final and a repeat of the two nations’ 2024 European Championship meeting, which Spain won. Belgium, meanwhile, exit the tournament at the quarter-final stage, their campaign now overshadowed by the injury picture surrounding their long-serving goalkeeper.
