Spain coach Luis de la Fuente sets unbeaten record as Spain reaches World Cup semi‑final

Spain defeated Belgium 2‑1 in the World Cup quarter‑final at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium, advancing to a semi‑final against France in Arlington, Texas. The winning goal came in the 88th minute when substitute Mikel Merino capitalised on a goalkeeping error by Belgium's substitute keeper Senne Lammens.

Spain's manager Luis de la Fuente now holds the record for the longest unbeaten run across FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Championships, overseeing 13 matches without a loss (12 wins, 1 draw). The unbeaten streak spans Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and the current World Cup, where the team had not conceded a goal until the Belgian equaliser.

De la Fuente praised the squad’s character and expressed confidence ahead of the semi‑final, noting that “we are the only team to have beaten France twice in a row.” Merino described the victory as a step toward the championship, while Belgian coach Rudi Garcia lamented missed opportunities and injuries that affected his side.