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).
The article provides a factual, play-by-play account of a sporting event without subjective commentary.
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