Spain knock Belgium out of World Cup to set up France semi-final
Spain have advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating Belgium 2-1 in a thrilling quarterfinal match at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday night.
Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring for Spain in the 30th minute after Courtois parried the ball into his path.
Charles De Ketelaere restored parity for Belgium with a diving header from Castagne’s corner 11 minutes later.
The goal ended Spain’s historic 650-minute goalless run in the tournament. It was the first time they conceded a goal in the tournament.
Mikel Merino came off the bench to produce the winner 88th minute to lead Spain into the last four of the competition.
The Arsenal midfielder has now repeated the feat in his last two games, coming off the bench to score.
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He came off the bench to score the winner against Portugal in the round of 16 clash.
Spain will take on France in the semi-finals on Tuesday at the Dallas Stadium.
Top Stats From Spain vs Belgium
13 – Luis de la Fuente has now managed more games across the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship without ever losing than any other manager (W12 D1).
Longest unbeaten runs in men’s international history:
◎ 37 – Italy (2018-2021)
◎ 36 – Argentina (2019-2022)
◉ 36 – Spain (current) 🆕
Mikel Merino has scored three goals for Spain at the World Cup and the European Championships:
◉ 119′ winner vs. Germany (QF)
◉ 90+1′ winner vs. Portugal (L16)
◉ 88′ winner vs. Belgium (QF)
