World Cup 2026: Spain Come From Behind to Beat Belgium and Reach Last Four

Merino taps in late to send Spain past Belgium

A late Merino goal punished a Lammens mistake and sent Spain into the World Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Belgium, ending the Red Devils’ 18-match unbeaten run.

Merino punishes Lammens Howler as Spain edge Belgium 2-1 to reach World Cup semi-finals...

Mikel Merino scored late to fire Spain into the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Belgium. The result made it six straight head-to-head wins for La Roja and booked them a blockbuster tie against France.

Luis de la Fuente’s side had quietly reached their first World Cup quarter-final since winning it all in 2010, and came up against a Belgium team full of confidence after knocking out co-hosts USA in the last round.

As the world No.2, Spain were a major step up for Belgium, so it was no surprise to see La Roja take control early. Rodri had an effort blocked by Nathan Ngoy, and Lamine Yamal then curled a shot just wide.

Belgium contained Spain for a while, yet conceded in the 30th minute as Ruiz netted his first ever at a World Cup. Porro crossed for Olmo, Courtois saved the first shot, and the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder pounced on the loose ball.

La Roja looked comfortable and even saw Courtois save a Yamal free-kick, yet Belgium hit back late in the half. Rudi Garcia’s side equalized in the 41st minute despite Spain’s dominance.

Charles De Ketelaere headed home from Timothy Castagne’s cross to score the first goal Spain had conceded at the tournament, finally breaking down a defense that had looked rock solid.

Spain came out pressing high, recycling possession around the Belgian area with their familiar tiki-taka style as they chased a second.

Yamal was central to every Spain attack, dragging a shot wide and then testing Courtois with another effort.

Belgium sat deep and looked to hit on the break, and nearly grabbed a second when Maxim De Cuyper struck the side-netting after a slick move involving Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne.

Courtois had been outstanding in goal, but the Real Madrid keeper looked devastated when he was forced off injured and replaced by Senne Lammens.

In the 88th minute, TV cameras cut to Courtois on the bench just as Merino struck for the second game running - tapping home after Lammens could only parry Pau Cubarsí’s weak shot straight to the Arsenal midfielder.

That late winner booked Spain a semi-final against France in Dallas next Tuesday. The victory also made De la Fuente just the third European coach ever to win his first seven knockout matches at a major tournament.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils’ run came to a brutal end. Their 18-match unbeaten streak, 12 wins and 6 draws, was finally halted as an aging Belgian side bowed out.