Mikel Merino once again proved to be Spain’s man for the big moment, scoring in the 88th minute to secure a dramatic 2 1 victory over Belgium and send La Roja into the World Cup semi finals.
The Arsenal midfielder had already rescued Spain in the previous round with a 91st minute winner against Portugal. In Los Angeles, he repeated his impact after spending just 117 seconds on the field following his introduction for Dani Olmo.
Spain and Belgium appeared destined for extra time when Pau Cubarsi fired from 25 yards. Substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to gather the effort cleanly, allowing Merino to react quickest and smash the loose ball into the roof of the net.
Fabian Ruiz had earlier put Spain ahead after 30 minutes. A flowing attack involving Pedro Porro and Lamine Yamal created an opening for Olmo, whose attempt was denied by Thibaut Courtois. Ruiz collected the rebound and drove his finish through Timothy Castagne’s legs.
Belgium responded before the interval. Charles de Ketelaere moved ahead of Cubarsi and powered Castagne’s delivery into the net four minutes before half time. The equaliser brought an end to Spain’s impressive 649 minute run without conceding at the 2026 World Cup.
The contest remained finely balanced after the restart. Belgium appealed for a penalty when Aymeric Laporte’s header struck Rodri’s arm, while Courtois produced an important intervention to deny Mikel Oyarzabal.
Belgium then suffered a major setback in the 71st minute as Courtois left the field with an apparent muscle problem. The Real Madrid goalkeeper was visibly emotional before being replaced by Manchester United stopper Lammens, who was making only his third international appearance.
That change eventually shaped the result, with Lammens unable to hold Cubarsi’s late strike before Merino delivered the decisive touch.
Spain are now preparing to face France in Dallas on Tuesday, 14 July at 20:00 BST. It will be only their second World Cup semi final.
Despite reaching the last four, Luis de la Fuente’s European champions have yet to produce their most convincing football. Narrow wins over Portugal and Belgium suggest improvement will be required against a powerful French side.
Belgium, meanwhile, leave the tournament with more disappointment. For experienced figures such as Courtois, Kevin de Bruyne, Thomas Meunier, Leandro Trossard and Romelu Lukaku, this could represent their final World Cup appearance.
Spain remain two victories away from lifting the trophy, but France will provide their toughest challenge yet.
