Spain overcame Belgium 2-1 at Los Angeles Stadium, with Mikel Merino once again proving decisive late in the game, to book their place in the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The opening goal came in the 30th minute through Fabián Ruiz. Lamine Yamal skipped past his marker on the right and squared the ball to Pedro Porro, whose low delivery was met by Dani Olmo. Thibaut Courtois pulled off a fine save to deny the initial effort, but the loose ball fell kindly for Ruiz, who buried it into the roof of the net.
Spain continued to look the sharper side and appeared set to add to their lead before the break, but Belgium found an equalizer against the run of play in the 41st minute — the first goal La Roja had conceded all tournament. After Spain were unable to clear a spell of sustained Belgian pressure, Timothy Castagne whipped in a dangerous cross from the right, and Charles De Ketelaere rose above Pau Cubarsí to head past Unai Simón.
The second half settled into a cagey contest, with Spain controlling possession in and around the Belgian box while the Red Devils held firm defensively. Jérémy Doku put in a tireless shift on the left flank, combining with substitute Joaquín Seys to keep Lamine Yamal quiet.
The breakthrough finally came in the 88th minute. Pau Cubarsí drove a fierce strike from 25 yards that Senne Lammens could only push away, and Mikel Merino was first to react, thumping the rebound home to restore Spain's lead.
The late goal proved enough to see Spain through to the last four, where they will now meet France.
