By Francis Onyach - Reporter
USA, July 11,2026 - Spain booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after substitute Mikel Merino scored a dramatic late winner to secure a 2-1 victory over Belgium in a gripping quarter-final in Los Angeles. The decisive moment came just two minutes from time when Belgian substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled a routine effort into Merino's path, allowing the Arsenal midfielder to tap home and send La Roja into the last four.
The result extends Spain's impressive tournament run and sets up a blockbuster semi-final against France, while Belgium's hopes of ending their long wait for a major international trophy came to a painful end after a match that was ultimately decided by one unfortunate mistake.
The quarter-final began at a frantic pace, with both teams eager to impose themselves despite soaring temperatures at Los Angeles Stadium. Spain dominated possession early through Rodri and Fabián Ruiz, while Belgium looked dangerous on the counterattack with Charles De Ketelaere and Leandro Trossard searching for space behind the Spanish defence.
Belgium entered the contest already weakened by injuries.
Captain Youri Tielemans was forced to withdraw during the warm-up after suffering a muscular problem, joining midfielder Amadou Onana and defender Zeno Debast on the sidelines. The setbacks left coach Rudi Garcia with limited options against one of the tournament favourites.
Spain's dominance eventually told midway through the first half.
In the 30th minute, Fabián Ruiz justified Luis de la Fuente's decision to start him ahead of Pedri by breaking the deadlock. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder collected possession on the edge of the area before driving a composed finish beyond Thibaut Courtois, giving Spain a deserved lead after controlling much of the opening half-hour.
Belgium responded brilliantly.
Just eleven minutes later, Timothy Castagne produced an inviting cross from the right that found Charles De Ketelaere inside the penalty area. The Club Brugge forward rose highest to power a header beyond Unai Simón, ending Spain's impressive defensive streak and bringing Belgium level before the interval.
The second half brought another major turning point.
Belgium suffered a huge blow when Thibaut Courtois injured his upper left leg while making an important save. The experienced goalkeeper attempted to continue but was visibly distressed before eventually being substituted. An emotional Courtois left the field in tears, with 24-year-old Senne Lammens thrust into the biggest match of his international career.
Lammens initially settled well, producing several confident claims and helping Belgium withstand increasing Spanish pressure.
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Spain, however, continued to dominate possession and repeatedly tested the Belgian defence. Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and substitute Dani Olmo all threatened as Luis de la Fuente's side searched relentlessly for a winner.
The decisive moment finally arrived in the 88th minute.
Teenage defender Pau Cubarsí unleashed a speculative low strike from outside the penalty area that appeared relatively straightforward for Lammens. Instead of gathering the ball cleanly, the Belgian goalkeeper allowed it to spill into the six-yard box. Merino, who had only recently entered the match as a substitute, reacted quickest to poke home from close range and spark wild celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters.
It was a cruel moment for Lammens, whose mistake overshadowed an otherwise composed cameo after replacing one of the world's best goalkeepers under immense pressure. The young goalkeeper was visibly devastated at the final whistle as teammates rallied around him.
Belgium threw everyone forward in search of a late equaliser, with Romelu Lukaku joining the attack during stoppage time, but Spain defended resolutely to preserve their advantage. After more than five minutes of added time, the final whistle confirmed Spain's place in the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2010.
For Luis de la Fuente, the victory once again highlighted the depth of his squad.
Merino had already been Spain's hero in the Round of 16 with his stoppage-time winner against Portugal, and he delivered another decisive contribution when his country needed him most. Fabián Ruiz controlled the midfield throughout the evening, while Rodri once again dictated the tempo with another commanding display.
Belgium leave the tournament wondering what might have been.
Despite battling admirably in the face of numerous injuries and matching Spain for long periods, the Red Devils were undone by the finest of margins. De Ketelaere's equaliser had given them genuine hope of reaching the semi-finals, but football can often be unforgiving, and one costly error ultimately ended their World Cup dream.
Spain now turn their attention to a mouth-watering semi-final against France, a meeting between two European heavyweights packed with world-class talent. With Merino continuing his remarkable habit of producing decisive late goals and La Roja showing both resilience and quality throughout the tournament, they remain firmly on course in their pursuit of a second World Cup title.