Merino’s late goal sends Spain past Belgium into World Cup semifinals

Mikel Merino struck again in the dying minutes of a World Cup knockout match, scoring the winner as Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in their quarterfinal at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday to book a place in the last four of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

A familiar hero

The Real Sociedad midfielder, who came off the bench to score a stoppage-time goal against Portugal in the round of 16, reprised his super-sub role against Belgium. Merino capitalized on an error from backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who had entered the match after Thibaut Courtois suffered an injury and was forced off in tears. Lammens, making his World Cup debut with roughly 20 minutes remaining, faced relentless Spanish pressure before the decisive mistake that allowed Merino to find the net.youtube+4

Spain's perfect defense broken

Fabián Ruiz had opened the scoring in the 30th minute with his first-ever World Cup goal, prodding home a rebound to give the dominant Spaniards the lead. Belgium responded through Charles De Ketelaere, whose header drew the match level at 1-1 — the first goal Spain had conceded in the entire tournament. The equalizer briefly shifted momentum toward Belgium, but Spain continued to press and were rewarded late through Merino's intervention.youtube+6

Road to the final

Spain will now face France in the semifinals on Tuesday, July 14. France advanced after defeating Morocco in the other quarterfinal in Boston on Thursday. For Belgium, the defeat ends a campaign that included a 4-1 demolition of co-hosts the United States in the round of 16. Courtois, who before the match had expressed confidence that his team could spring an upset reminiscent of Belgium's victory over Brazil in 2018, instead departed the field injured as Spain's tournament march continued.sports.yahoo+4