Spain beat Belgium to return to the World Cup semi-finals after 16 years

Spain have qualified for the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating Belgium 2-1 in Friday's quarter-final in Inglewood, near Los Angeles. The Spanish national team return to the last four of a World Cup for the first time since winning the trophy in South Africa in 2010.

Fabián Ruiz put Luis de la Fuente's side ahead in the 30th minute by converting a rebound inside the penalty area. Belgium responded before half-time and Charles De Ketelaere levelled the match with a header in the 41st minute. It was the first goal Spain had conceded at this World Cup.

With the match apparently heading for extra time, Mikel Merino delivered again at a decisive moment. The midfielder entered the pitch in the 86th minute and, two minutes later, reacted first when substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold Pau Cubarsí's shot, scoring the winning goal.

Merino is Spain's hero again just four days after his stoppage-time goal knocked Portugal out of the tournament. Spain protected their lead through Belgium's late pressure and confirmed their place among the competition's final four teams.

Spain will face France in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday for a place in the final. Both sides remain unbeaten ahead of a semi-final between two of the tournament favourites.

Photo: Biso, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 licence. Photograph taken on 4 September 2025.

Sources: Associated Press and The Guardian.