Spain defeats Belgium to reach World Cup 2026 semifinal against France
On July 10‑11, 2026, Spain eliminated Belgium 2‑1 in the World Cup quarter‑final at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium. Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring in the 30th minute, and Belgium equalised through Charles De Ketelaere before halftime. In the closing stages, Belgium’s substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold a low shot, allowing super‑sub Mikel Merino to tap in the winner in the 88th minute. The match also saw Thibaut Courtois leave the field with a thigh injury, prompting Lammens’ entry. Merino’s late strike marks his second decisive knockout‑stage goal of the tournament. The victory sends La Roja to a semifinal against France in Dallas, their first World Cup semi‑final since 2010.