Spain defeats Belgium 2-1, advances to World Cup 2026 semifinal

Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter‑final at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Substitute midfielder Mikel Merino scored the winning goal in the 88th minute, two minutes after entering the match, following the injury and replacement of Belgium’s first‑choice keeper Thibaut Courtois with Senne Lammens. The victory ends Belgium’s 18‑match unbeaten run and sends La Roja to a semi‑final against France, which coach Luis de la Fuente called “a final before the final.”

Spanish winger Nico Williams said the team is “ready for a very difficult match” and highlighted the psychological edge from previous wins over France. Lamine Yamal expressed confidence that France should “be afraid of Spain.” In Terrassa, hundreds of fans watched the match on a giant public screen, celebrating Merino’s goal. The game also sparked a viral moment online featuring Yamal’s three‑year‑old brother, Keyne, who became an internet sensation.

The win marks Spain’s first World Cup semi‑final appearance since 2010 and continues a 37‑match unbeaten streak for the side.