Merino sends Spain past Belgium into semi-finals

Spain booked their place in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Belgium at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Luis de la Fuente's side controlled possession from the start and went ahead in the 30th minute when Fabian Ruiz turned in the rebound after Thibaut Courtois had only half-saved Dani Olmo's effort. Lamine Yamal later went close from a free-kick and had other chances before Belgium hit back on the stroke of half-time, with Timothy Castagne crossing for Charles De Ketelaere to head in the equaliser.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Spain probing through Yamal, Olmo and Ferran Torres while Courtois kept them out. The Belgium goalkeeper then went off injured in the 71st minute and was replaced by Senne Lammens.

Mikel Merino, who scored Spain's winner against Portugal in the last 16, settled it in the 88th minute after an error from Lammens. Spain now face France at 22:30 on 23 July. Michael Oliver refereed the match and booked Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Kevin De Bruyne and Axel Witsel in the first half.