World Cup: Spain edge Belgium 2-1 to reach semi-finals
Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, with a late goal from Mikel Merino. The victory secures Spain a spot in the semi-finals against France.
Why it matters
The World Cup is a major global sporting event with significant cultural and economic impact on the participating nations.
Football World Championship Merino pounces on Lammens howler to give Spain late quarter-final win over Belgium Merino pounces on Lammens howler to give Spain late quarter-final win over Belgium James Hilsum Spain celebrate Mikel Merino's late winner Kai Pfaffenbach / Reuters Mikel Merino’s late strike sent Spain into the 2026 FIFA World Cup (WC) semi-finals with a 2-1 victory over Belgium, extending their H2H winning streak to six games and setting up a tantalising clash with France.
The article is a standard sports match report focusing on game events and statistics.
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