Merino's late strike sends Spain past Belgium into a semifinal with France
Mikel Merino pounced on a spilled shot in the 88th minute to win a 2-1 quarter-final at SoFi Stadium, on a night Belgium lost Thibaut Courtois to injury.
Spain reached the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup on Friday, beating Belgium 2-1 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood thanks to a late goal from Mikel Merino, and will now face France in the last four.
Spain took the lead in the 30th minute when Fabian Ruiz finished from close range, only for Belgium to level before the break through a fine Charles De Ketelaere header. The quarter-final looked set for extra time until the 88th minute, when substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled a routine shot in his own box. Merino reacted quickest, driving the rebound home to settle it.
It was a cruel night for Belgium, undone as much by misfortune as by Spain's control. The Red Devils had already lost captain Youri Tielemans to an injury suffered in the warm-up, and then saw first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois limp off in the second half. The 34-year-old, who appeared to hurt his hip, left the field in tears in the 71st minute, and it was his replacement whose error proved decisive.
Spain, unbeaten through the tournament, now advance to a heavyweight semi-final against France in Dallas on Tuesday. Les Bleus booked their place on Thursday with a 2-0 win over Morocco and remain perfect after five matches.
The other half of the draw is still to be settled, with Norway against England and Argentina against Switzerland completing the quarter-finals on Saturday.
