Spain vs Belgium, FIFA World Cup 2026: Super-sub Merino strikes again to send La Roja into semis
Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals thanks to a late goal by substitute Mikel Merino. Spain will now advance to the semifinals to face France on July 14.
Why it matters
As a major international sporting event, the World Cup results have significant cultural and economic implications for the participating nations.
Mikel Merino came off the bench again to save Spain, scoring the go-ahead goal in the 88th minute to defeat Belgium 2-1 in a World Cup quarterfinal in Inglewood, California, on Friday (July 10, 2026).
A spot in the July 19 final will be at stake when Spain plays France in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday (July 14). The French are seeking a third straight trip to the final having won in 2018 before losing on penalties to Argentina four years ago.
Merino, who was on the field less than six minutes before scoring the winner in second-half stoppage time against Portugal in the round of 16 on Monday, entered in the 86th minute and smashed in a rebound after substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled a soft shot by Pau Cubarsi.
Lammens replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois (four saves) in the 71st minute.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in