Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals on Friday, July 10, 2026, at SoFi Stadium, thanks to a dramatic late goal from Mikel Merino. The victory sets up a highly anticipated semi-final clash with France.
Mikel Merino's Impact in the Match
Substituted in during the 88th minute, Mikel Merino made a significant impact by scoring just 117 seconds after entering the field. He capitalized on a mistake by Belgium's stand-in goalkeeper, Senne Lammens, who was forced to step in after star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois suffered an injury. Merino's decisive goal came from a rebound following a low shot by Pau Cubarsi.
Merino's performance is reminiscent of his previous match against Portugal, where he also scored a late winner. This achievement makes him the first player in World Cup history to score winning goals in two different knockout stage matches as a substitute.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
The match began with an early goal from Spain, as Fabian Ruiz scored in the 30th minute, taking advantage of some poor handling from Courtois. However, Belgium responded quickly with a goal from Charles De Ketelaere in the 41st minute, leveling the match before halftime.
Despite the setback, Spain maintained their composure and continued to create opportunities throughout the second half. Key players like Rodri and Lamine Yamal were instrumental in Spain's attacking strategy, with Rodri making 62 line-breaking passes in the tournament, equaling a record set by Germany's Toni Kroos in 2014.
Looking Ahead: Spain vs. France
With this victory, Spain extends their unbeaten streak to 36 matches since March 2023. The upcoming semi-final against France is expected to be a thrilling encounter, as both teams are considered favorites in the tournament. Spain's head coach, Luis de la Fuente, has now managed more games at major tournaments without a loss than any other international manager, with 13 matches.
As Spain prepares for this critical match, Merino expressed his excitement, stating, "Two matches to win a World Cup is a dream come true - hopefully we can achieve it." The semi-final will take place in Texas on Tuesday, and fans are eager to see if Spain can continue their impressive run in the tournament.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Sky Sports Football. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
