Spain 2-1 Belgium: Merino’s Late Strike Sends La Roja Into the World Cup Semifinals
Spain are through to the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026, and once again it was the ice-cool substitute Mikel Merino who delivered in the decisive moment. La Roja came from behind to beat Belgium 2-1 at Los Angeles Stadium, with Fabián Ruiz opening the scoring, Charles De Ketelaere levelling for the Red Devils, and Merino turning home the winner two minutes from time to send Spain into the last four — and towards a heavyweight showdown with France.
How the Match Unfolded
For a side that had not conceded a single goal on their way to the last eight, Spain began in typically controlled fashion, dominating possession and probing patiently at a well-organised Belgian block. Their pressure told before the break when Fabián Ruiz arrived to finish and put the tournament favourites ahead, a reward for their sustained control of the contest.
Belgium, though, refused to fold. Rudi Garcia’s side grew into the game and found a route back through Charles De Ketelaere, who has enjoyed a superb tournament and struck again to level the tie and, in doing so, end Spain’s remarkable clean-sheet run at the worst possible time for the Spanish. Suddenly a quarterfinal that had looked to be drifting Spain’s way was alive, and Belgium sensed an upset.
As the game entered its final stages and extra time loomed, Spain went back to the well that had served them so well in the previous round. The introduction of fresh attacking legs paid off in the 88th minute: a shot from teenage defender Pau Cubarsí was spilled by Belgium’s stand-in goalkeeper Senne Lammens, and Merino — on the pitch for barely two minutes — reacted quickest to bundle home the rebound and spark scenes of relief and jubilation among the Spanish ranks.
By the Numbers
| Match facts | Detail |
|---|---|
| Final score | Spain 2-1 Belgium |
| Spain scorers | Fabián Ruiz, Mikel Merino (88′) |
| Belgium scorer | Charles De Ketelaere |
| Winning goal | Merino, less than 2 minutes after coming on |
| Venue | Los Angeles Stadium |
The Man for the Moment
There is a growing sense that Merino has become Spain’s designated destroyer of resistance. Having come off the bench to score the stoppage-time winner that eliminated Portugal — and ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career — in the Round of 16, he repeated the trick against Belgium with almost identical timing. It is the mark of a squad blessed with depth and match-winners, and of a manager in Luis de la Fuente who is unafraid to trust his bench when the game is in the balance.
That the goal came from a goalkeeping error will frustrate Belgium, but Merino’s alertness to gamble on the rebound was no accident. Great substitutes make their own luck, and the Spain midfielder has now twice arrived at exactly the right place at exactly the right time on the sport’s biggest stage.
Tactical Analysis
Spain’s superiority in possession and territory was, as ever, their foundation. They controlled the tempo, starved Belgium of the ball for long spells and created the better openings. The concern for De la Fuente will be the manner in which they allowed Belgium back into the contest after taking the lead — a lapse that briefly threatened to derail a near-flawless campaign. Against France, such moments are likely to be punished more ruthlessly.
For Belgium, this was a performance of real character that ultimately counted for nothing. De Ketelaere’s goal was the highlight of an improving tournament for the Red Devils, and they can point to the fine margins — a spilled shot, a two-minute cameo — that separated them from extra time and a possible shock. Garcia’s rebuilding project shows promise, but their World Cup ends at the quarterfinal stage.
What’s Next
Spain now face France in a mouth-watering semifinal, a repeat of their meeting at Euro 2024 and a clash between two of the tournament’s outstanding sides. Les Bleus, unbeaten and flawless with two forwards in scintillating form, will provide the sternest possible test of Spain’s credentials. La Roja have looked the more complete team for much of this competition, but they will need to cut out the defensive lapse that nearly cost them here. Prime Hunt Daily will bring you full previews, reports and analysis from the World Cup 2026 semifinals.
Prime Hunt Daily will bring you full coverage throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stages.