Spain advances to World Cup semi after 2‑1 win over Belgium
Spain defeated Belgium 2‑1 in the quarter‑final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Fabian Ruiz gave the Europeans an early lead in the 30th minute, but Charles De Ketelaere restored parity before halftime. In the second half Thibaut Courtois left the field with a thigh injury and was replaced by Senne Lammens, who failed to hold a low shot from Pau Cubarsí. Substitute Mikel Merino reacted quickest, heading the rebound into the net in the 88th minute to secure the victory. The win sends La Roja to a semi‑final clash with France in Dallas and extends Spain’s unbeaten run to 37 matches. It also marks Merino’s second consecutive knockout‑stage winning goal for Spain.