Match Report: Spain 2-1 Belgium

Substitute Mikel Merino scored a dramatic late winner as Spain beat Belgium 2-1 on Friday to book their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The victory sets up a mouthwatering last-four clash with France, who defeated Morocco on Thursday, with a place in the final at stake.

Merino proved to be Spain’s hero once again after capitalising on a late goalkeeping mistake to score the decisive goal just two minutes from time.

Belgium welcomed Kevin De Bruyne and Jérémy Doku back into the starting line-up, but suffered a major setback before kick-off when captain Youri Tielemans picked up a hamstring injury during the warm-up and was forced to miss the match.

The European Champions made the brighter start and controlled possession from the opening whistle. Lamine Yamal came close early on with a curling effort that drifted just wide of the far post.

Belgium threatened through Doku, who created an opportunity for Charles De Ketelaere, but Spain gradually took control of the game.

The breakthrough came in the 30th minute. Pedro Porro combined well with Yamal before cutting the ball back to Dani Olmo. Thibaut Courtois saved Olmo’s effort, but Spanish midfielder Fabián Ruiz reacted quickest to score from the rebound.

Spain continued to dominate after taking the lead, but Belgium stayed patient and found an equaliser four minutes before half-time.

Kevin De Bruyne released Timothy Castagne down the right and his cross was met by De Ketelaere, who outmuscled Pau Cubarsí at the near post and headed past Unai Simón to make it 1-1. It was the first goal Spain had conceded during this tournament.

Belgium almost completed the comeback before the break, but Dani Olmo made an important interception to stop Doku from finishing a dangerous counter attack.

Spain pushed forward again after half-time. Yamal produced a dangerous cross that was well dealt with by Courtois, while Mikel Oyarzabal also tested the Belgian goalkeeper from a tight angle.

Belgium introduced Romelu Lukaku in the second half, hoping the experienced striker could make the difference once again.

The Red Devils then suffered another blow when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with an injury after 70 minutes. Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens came on to replace him and made his FIFA World Cup debut.

The decisive moment arrived in the 88th minute. Pau Cubarsí struck a low shot from distance that Lammens failed to hold. Mikel Merino, who was introduced into the game just two minutes earlier, reacted quickest to the loose ball and fired into the net to send Spain into the semi-finals.

It was Merino’s second consecutive late winning goal after also coming off the bench to score against Portugal in the previous round.

Belgium had one final chance to force extra time, but Alexis Saelemaekers could not pick out the unmarked Lukaku in front of goal.

At the final whistle, Courtois returned to comfort the distraught Lammens, while Belgium’s players were left devastated. Spain, meanwhile, celebrated another dramatic victory and will now turn their attention to a huge semi-final against France.