Super-sub Merino fires Spain into World Cup semi-finals
Spain are through to the FIFA World Cup semi-finals after substitute Mikel Merino struck another dramatic late winner in a 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles. The Arsenal midfielder came off the bench to settle a gripping quarter-final, sending Luis de la Fuente's side into a blockbuster last-four clash with France.
Ruiz rewards Spain's bright start
Spain dominated possession from the opening whistle and eventually made their pressure count after 30 minutes. Lamine Yamal combined brilliantly with Pedro Porro before Dani Olmo's effort was pushed away by Thibaut Courtois. Fabian Ruiz reacted quickest, drilling the loose ball home through the legs of Timothy Castagne after earning a surprise start ahead of Pedri.
Belgium weathered the early storm and gradually settled into the contest. Their reward came four minutes before half-time when Castagne delivered a pinpoint cross from the right. Charles De Ketelaere beat Pau Cubarsi to the ball and powered a header beyond Unai Simon, ending Spain's remarkable run of 649 World Cup minutes without conceding.
Courtois injury changes the contest
The second half remained evenly balanced as both sides searched for a decisive breakthrough. Yamal continued to threaten, while Courtois produced another fine save to deny Mikel Oyarzabal from a tight angle. Belgium also appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty after the ball struck Rodri's arm following a ricochet.
A pivotal moment arrived in the 71st minute when Courtois suffered what appeared to be a muscle injury. The Belgian goalkeeper left the pitch in tears, forcing Senne Lammens into action for only his third senior international appearance. The change would ultimately shape the outcome.
Merino delivers another decisive blow
With extra time looming, Spain found their breakthrough in the 88th minute. Pau Cubarsi tested Lammens from distance with a low effort that the substitute goalkeeper could only spill. Merino, who had been on the pitch for just 117 seconds, reacted quickest to smash the rebound into the roof of the net.
It was another remarkable contribution from the midfielder, who also scored Spain's stoppage-time winner against Portugal in the last 16. Merino has now become the first Spain player to score two World Cup knockout winners after coming off the bench, further strengthening his reputation as one of football's most reliable impact substitutes.
Match statistics
Spain's dominance was reflected in the numbers. Luis de la Fuente's side registered 17 shots to Belgium's five and generated 2.08 expected goals compared to Belgium's 0.37. Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere became the first player to score against Spain at the 2026 World Cup, ending La Roja's run of 649 minutes without conceding in the competition. Spain also extended their unbeaten run to a national record 36 matches with the victory.
Key talking points
Mikel Merino once again proved to be Spain's ultimate game changer. The Arsenal midfielder scored with only his second touch after coming on, following his stoppage-time winner against Portugal in the last 16. Fabian Ruiz justified his surprise inclusion ahead of Pedri with the opening goal, while Rodri controlled the midfield and Lamine Yamal remained Spain's main creative outlet despite not getting on the scoresheet. Belgium fought bravely despite losing Youri Tielemans before kick-off and Thibaut Courtois during the second half, but their golden generation suffered another heartbreaking World Cup exit.
What's next?
Spain will face France in the World Cup semi-finals in Dallas on Tuesday, with a place in the final at stake. De la Fuente's side extended their unbeaten run to a national record 36 matches and remain two victories away from lifting their second World Cup trophy. Belgium's tournament ends after another narrow defeat, while Spain's dream of global glory continues.