Super-Sub Merino Strikes Again as Spain Edge Belgium to Reach World Cup Semi-finals

Super-Sub Merino Strikes Again as Spain Edge Belgium to Reach World Cup Semi-finals

Late Winner Seals 2-1 Victory and Sets Up Blockbuster Clash With France

Mikel Merino once again emerged as Spain's knockout-stage hero, scoring a dramatic late winner to secure a 2-1 victory over Belgium and send La Roja into the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The Arsenal midfielder, who had already rescued Spain with a stoppage-time winner against Portugal in the Round of 16, delivered another decisive contribution by scoring in the 88th minute in California.

Spain started brightly and nearly took the lead in the 21st minute when teenage sensation Lamine Yamal fired narrowly wide. The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 30th minute after Dani Olmo's effort was parried by Thibaut Courtois, with Fabián Ruiz reacting quickest to score the rebound.

Belgium responded strongly and found an equaliser in the 41st minute. Timothy Castagne delivered an excellent cross into the penalty area, where Charles De Ketelaere rose above the Spanish defence to power a header past Unai Simón.

The second half produced chances at both ends. Yamal continued to threaten, while Kevin De Bruyne tested Simón as Belgium looked capable of causing an upset.

A major turning point came in the 71st minute when Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off through injury and replaced by Senne Lammens.

With extra time looming, Spain found the decisive moment. Pau Cubarsí's shot was spilled by Lammens, and Merino reacted quickest to smash the rebound into the net in the 88th minute, sparking wild celebrations among the Spanish supporters.

Belgium pushed desperately for a late equaliser, but Aymeric Laporte produced a crucial goal-line clearance in stoppage time to preserve Spain's advantage and secure progression.

The victory extends Spain's impressive World Cup campaign and keeps alive their hopes of winning a second world title.

Match Result

Spain 2-1 Belgium

Goals

Fabián Ruiz (Spain) – 30'

Charles De Ketelaere (Belgium) – 41'

Mikel Merino (Spain) – 88'

Key Moment

Mikel Merino capitalised on a goalkeeping error in the 88th minute to score the winning goal and send Spain into the semi-finals.

Spain will now face France in a highly anticipated semi-final clash, while Belgium's impressive unbeaten run comes to an end as their World Cup journey concludes in the quarter-finals.