Spain defeats Belgium 2-1 to reach World Cup semifinals
Mikel Merino scored an 88th-minute winner after coming on as a substitute, sending Spain into the World Cup semifinals where they will meet France.
Spain advanced to the World Cup semifinals with a 2-1 victory over Belgium after midfielder Mikel Merino netted the decisive goal in the 88th minute. Merino entered the match in the 86th minute and, on his second touch, capitalised on a rebound after Belgium’s backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled a long-range shot from Pau Cubarsí.
Spain’s earlier goal came from Fabián Ruiz in the 30th minute, while Belgium equalised through Charles De Ketelaere before Merino’s late strike. The result ends Belgium’s 18-match unbeaten run and extends Spain’s unbeaten streak to 37 matches since March 2023.
Coach Luis de la Fuente said the upcoming semifinal against France will be “a clash of giants.” Merino, who also scored in the round-of-16 win over Portugal, expressed satisfaction with his performance. Belgium’s first-choice keeper Thibaut Courtois left the field in the 71st minute after a thigh injury and was replaced by Lammens, who had not yet appeared in the tournament.
Spain will face tournament favourites France in the semifinal scheduled for Tuesday in the Dallas area.