Spain secured their passage to the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Friday, defeating Belgium 2-1 in a thrilling encounter at Los Angeles Stadium in California. The decisive moment arrived in the 88th minute when midfielder Mikel Merino, introduced from the bench, capitalised on a goalkeeping error to secure the victory. This result marks La Roja's return to the last four of world football's premier tournament for the first time since 2010, when they won the tournament.
Merino has emerged as Spain's hero in knockout encounters, repeating his match-winning heroics from the previous round. The midfielder netted the crucial goal in Spain's 1-0 triumph over Portugal last Monday, demonstrating a pattern of stepping up when the stakes are highest. His knack for arriving at the right moment has provided Luis de la Fuente's side with vital momentum as they progress deeper into the competition.
Spain's performance in the first half showcased the kind of controlled, possession-based football that has become their hallmark. The side dominated proceedings early on, with youthful winger Lamine Yamal, just 18 years old, nearly breaking the deadlock in the 21st minute when his curled effort narrowly missed the left post. The teenager has proven to be a revelation in this tournament, combining technical skill with intelligent movement that constantly troubles opposing defences.
Following the scheduled hydration break, Spain took the lead through midfielder Fabian Ruiz in the 30th minute. The goal came as Ruiz reacted quickest to a rebound situation after Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had produced an excellent save to prevent Dani Olmo from capitalising on an earlier chance. Courtois, the 34-year-old custodian, would continue to trouble Spain throughout the first period, denying Yamal with a low diving save after the youngster's free-kick in the 35th minute threatened the bottom corner.
Belgium, coached by Frenchman Rudi Garcia, drew level before the interval in dramatic fashion. Full-back Timothy Castagne sent an inviting cross from the right flank, and forward Charles De Ketelaere rose to meet it powerfully, directing a downward header past Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon in the 41st minute. The equaliser meant Spain's previously unbeaten record in the tournament was ended, setting up a tense second half.
The second period saw Belgium threatening to take control, particularly ten minutes in when full-back Maxim De Cuyper's shot struck the side netting. However, Courtois continued his exceptional performance, producing back-to-back saves within rapid succession to deny both Yamal and forward Mikel Oyarzabal. Yet the Belgian goalkeeper's evening came to an abrupt end in the 71st minute when he departed the field due to an apparent leg injury, making way for Manchester United's Senne Lammens.
This substitution proved decisive in determining the match's outcome. In the 88th minute, centre-back Pau Cubarsi attempted a long-range effort that Lammens could not handle cleanly. The ball spilled from the goalkeeper's grasp, and Merino was perfectly positioned to finish the loose ball with a straightforward poacher's tap-in. The goal vindicated Fuente's tactical decisions and provided Spain with a deserved victory after sustained pressure throughout the second half.
Spain's reward for this victory is a mouthwatering semi-final clash against France in Dallas Stadium on July 15. France, the two-time World Cup champions, secured their progression by dispatching Morocco 2-0 on Thursday, setting up what promises to be a compelling contest between two of world football's elite nations. The potential final would represent a rematch of historical significance, as these nations have faced each other memorably in previous World Cups.
The expanded 2026 tournament format, which involves 48 nations competing across Canada, Mexico and the United States, represents a watershed moment for global football. This represents the largest tournament ever organised since the inaugural World Cup in 1930 in Uruguay, fundamentally changing the competitive landscape and offering more nations an opportunity to participate at sport's highest level. The expansion has already produced compelling narratives and unexpected developments throughout the group stages and knockout phases.
Spain's progression reflects both their tactical discipline and depth in personnel, with younger talents like Yamal providing rejuvenation alongside established midfielders such as Ruiz and Merino. The tournament, which commenced on June 11 and will conclude on July 19, has demonstrated that the expanded format can deliver quality football and captivating storylines that maintain the World Cup's reputation as football's ultimate competition. La Roja's next challenge against France will test whether their momentum and squad depth can sustain them towards a second world championship.
