Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals after defeating Belgium 2-1 in a dramatic quarter-final at SoFi Stadium, with Mikel Merino once again emerging as the match-winner.

Merino scored the decisive goal in the 88th minute, just four days after his injury-time winner against Portugal in the Round of 16, sending La Roja into a highly anticipated last-four showdown against France.

The Arsenal midfielder capitalised on a costly error by Belgium substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who spilled Pau Cubarsí's long-range effort into Merino's path. The Spanish midfielder made no mistake, firing home on just his second touch after coming off the bench.

Ruiz Opens the Scoring

Spain took the lead in the 30th minute when Fabián Ruiz converted from close range after a rebound, rewarding the team's early dominance.

Belgium responded before halftime through Charles De Ketelaere, whose powerful header in the 41st minute ended Spain's remarkable run of not conceding a goal throughout the tournament. It was also goalkeeper Unai Simón's first goal conceded in a World Cup after a record 650-minute shutout streak dating back to Qatar.

Merino Delivers Again

With the match seemingly heading towards extra time, Merino once again proved to be Spain's unlikely hero. Introduced in the 86th minute, he anticipated Lammens' handling error and calmly slotted home the winner two minutes later.

Speaking after the match, Merino admitted the moment felt surreal.

"Honestly, it's crazy to help the team once again. I prepare for when the moment comes, and hopefully they keep coming," he said.

The midfielder has now scored two crucial knockout-stage goals in his debut World Cup campaign.

Courtois Injury Hurts Belgium

Belgium suffered a major setback in the second half when first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with an injury after receiving treatment on the field.

His replacement, Senne Lammens, made several important interventions but was unfortunate in the closing stages as his spill led directly to Spain's winning goal.

Belgium pushed hard for an equaliser in stoppage time, with Romelu Lukaku leading the attack, but Spain's defence held firm to secure victory.

Semi-final Showdown Awaits

The win sends Spain into their first FIFA World Cup semi-final since lifting the trophy in 2010. They will now face France in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday in what promises to be one of the biggest matches of the tournament.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente expressed confidence ahead of the clash.

"It will be a clash of giants. We are capable of winning this game. France are a great football nation, but I trust our team."

Spain extended their unbeaten run in competitive matches to 37 games, while Belgium's impressive 18-match unbeaten streak came to an end.

The semi-final between two of Europe's football powerhouses is expected to be one of the marquee fixtures of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.