Spain advanced to the semi-finals of the World Cup 2026 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over a resilient Belgium side on Friday (July 10) in Los Angeles.

A late winner from substitute Mikel Merino, exploiting an error by Belgium’s deputy goalkeeper Senne Lammens, secured progression for Luis de la Fuente’s team, who will now face France.

Spain took control early and broke the deadlock in the 30th minute. Fabián Ruiz finished clinically with a right-footed strike from the centre of the box after good build-up play, giving La Roja a deserved lead. Belgium responded well and equalised on the stroke of half-time.

Charles De Ketelaere powered home a header from Timothy Castagne’s cross, sending the Belgian fans into raptures and levelling the scores at 1-1 before the break.

The second half was tense and cagey. The decisive moment came in the 71st minute when Belgium’s experienced No.1 Thibaut Courtois was forced off through injury and replaced by Manchester United custodian Senne Lammens.

Spain continued to probe and were rewarded in the 88th minute. Merino, introduced as a substitute, capitalised on a mistake by Lammens to slot a left-footed shot into the net from close range, sparking wild celebrations among the Spanish contingent.

The Arsenal midfielder scored on the second touch to give Spain the lead, thus scoring late winners in the second game in a row in this World Cup. Merino also scored in stoppage time against Portugal in the Round of 16, and has now become the first player to score late winners for his nation twice in a row in a World Cup.

La Roja will now take on France in the semifinal of the World Cup. This is also just the second time Spain have qualified for last four, as the last time was in 2010 World Cup, when they were eventual champions in South Africa.