Spain secured a berth in the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium in California on Friday, with midfielder Mikel Merino delivering a crucial intervention once again. The substitute, who had previously provided the winning moment in Spain's round-of-16 encounter against Portugal just days earlier, ensured Luis de la Fuente's squad would progress to the final four for the first time in 16 years, resuming their status among the tournament's elite competitors.
Spain's pathway to victory proved neither straightforward nor assured against a resilient Belgian outfit. The European side dominated possession throughout much of the opening exchanges and created opportunities that suggested they would maintain their usual control of proceedings. The passage of play shifted noticeably after the first half, however, with defensive lapses becoming apparent as the match progressed and Belgium began to pose genuine threats on the counter-attack.
The Spanish breakthrough arrived in the 30th minute when midfielder Fabian Ruiz capitalised on loose defending to register the opening goal. The opportunity emerged after Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had executed an excellent save to deny winger Dani Olmo moments earlier, leaving a rebound that Ruiz converted with clinical finishing. Spain's 18-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal had already tested Courtois with a free-kick in the 35th minute, demonstrating the attacking threat the youthful contingent was generating throughout the first period.
Belgium's equaliser came unexpectedly in the 41st minute when right-back Timothy Castagne sent a precisely weighted cross into the Spanish penalty area. Forward Charles De Ketelaere rose above the opposition to power a downward header past goalkeeper Unai Simon, restoring parity and signalling that Belgium retained the capacity to trouble the tournament favourites despite Spain's dominance.
The second half witnessed Belgium mounting increasing pressure on the Spanish defence, with opportunities arising that could have shifted momentum decisively in their favour. Full-back Maxim De Cuyper came closest to giving the Red Devils a shock lead around the 55th minute, though his effort drifted beyond the target area. Thibaut Courtois continued operating at an exceptional level, producing consecutive saves to deny both Yamal and forward Mikel Oyarzabal within rapid succession, showcasing the goalkeeping mastery that had sustained Belgium's hopes throughout the tournament.
A crucial turning point arrived in the 71st minute when Courtois departed the field following what appeared to be a significant leg injury, necessitating his replacement by Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The substitution proved immediately consequential, as Lammens immediately struggled to command his area. When centre-back Pau Cubarsi unleashed a long-range effort, the goalkeeper's handling proved indecisive, allowing the ball to spill dangerously into the penalty box.
Merino, operating as a substitute, reacted with predatory instinct to pounce on the loose possession and apply a simple finishing touch in the 88th minute, securing Spain's progression into the semi-finals. The midfielder's knack for appearing at decisive moments underscores the tactical adjustments and strategic substitutions that have characterised Spain's tournament approach under Luis de la Fuente's management.
Spain's advancement sets up a tantalising confrontation against France in Dallas Stadium on 15 July, following the two-time champions' dominant 2-0 dismissal of Morocco in their quarter-final encounter. The matchup between two of world football's most storied nations promises to be a compelling spectacle, with both countries possessing the attacking firepower and defensive resilience required to contest for the trophy.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 represents a watershed moment for international football, featuring an expanded 48-team format that marks the largest tournament field assembled since the inaugural 1930 edition held in Uruguay. The expanded structure, with co-hosting arrangements between Canada, Mexico, and the United States, has transformed the competitive landscape and enabled additional nations to participate in football's premier competition. Spain's progression to the semi-finals underscores their status as serious contenders to capture the trophy, particularly given their sustained excellence throughout the tournament since its commencement on 11 June and continuation through 19 July.
