Spain Edge Belgium 2-1 as Mikel Merino's Late Heroics Set Up World Cup Semi-Final Against France
Spain secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals, thanks to another late goal from Mikel Merino. The thrilling contest at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles ended Belgium's impressive 18-match unbeaten streak and booked Spain a place in the semi-finals against France. Fabián Ruiz Gives Spain the Perfect Start Spain dominated possession in the opening stages and finally broke the deadlock in the 30th minute. Midfielder Fabián Ruiz reacted quickest to a loose rebound inside the penalty area, calmly finishing to give La Roja a deserved lead. The goal rewarded Spain's attacking intent after creating several dangerous opportunities early in the match. Belgium Fight Back Before Half-Time Belgium refused to back down and found an equaliser just four minutes before the break. Charles De Ketelaere rose highest to meet Timothy Castagne's pinpoint cross, powering a header beyond the Spanish goalkeeper. The goal was significant, as it was...