Spain has qualified for the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup after securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Belgium in Inglewood, California, setting up a blockbuster clash against France. For the second consecutive match, substitute Mikel Merino proved to be the hero for the reigning European champions, scoring the decisive goal just minutes before the final whistle.
The quarter-final clash saw Spain strike first in the 30th minute when midfielder Fabián Ruiz found the back of the net to give his side the lead. However, Belgium responded late in the first half, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring an equalizer in the 41st minute to level the score going into the break.
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The tense deadlock persisted late into the second half until Spanish manager Luis de la Fuente subbed on Merino in the 86th minute. Just two minutes after stepping onto the pitch, the Arsenal midfielder scored the match-winner in the 88th minute to send Spain through.
With this victory, Spain is scheduled to face France on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas, at 2:00 PM local time. The French national team earned its spot in the semi-finals earlier in the day by defeating Morocco 2-0. The high-stakes matchup will determine who advances to the World Cup final.
