Spain’s dream of lifting the 2026 FIFA World Cup is still alive—and once again, Mikel Merino was the hero.
The Arsenal midfielder came off the bench to score a dramatic late winner as Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in a pulsating quarter-final in Los Angeles, sending the European champions into the last four of the tournament.
It was déjà vu for Merino, who had also rescued Spain with a stoppage-time winner against Portugal in the Round of 16. This time, he needed just 117 seconds after entering the pitch to make the difference.
Merino Punishes Belgium Late
With the game finely balanced at 1-1 and extra time fast approaching, Spain launched one final attack in the 88th minute.
Young defender Pau Cubarsi unleashed a speculative effort from distance that appeared harmless, but substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to deal with the shot, spilling the ball into a dangerous area.
Merino reacted quickest, pouncing on the rebound before smashing it emphatically into the roof of the net to spark wild celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters.
Spain Drew First Blood
Spain had looked the more dangerous side from the opening whistle and deservedly took the lead after half an hour.
An impressive passing move involving Pedro Porro and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal carved open Belgium’s defence before Dani Olmo forced a save from Thibaut Courtois.
Although Courtois managed to block the initial effort, Fabian Ruiz was perfectly positioned to bury the rebound, firing his shot through the legs of defender Timothy Castagne to make it 1-0.
Belgium End Spain’s Defensive Streak
Belgium refused to fold and found a way back before the halftime whistle.
Castagne turned provider, delivering a teasing cross into the penalty area where Charles De Ketelaere outjumped Cubarsi to head powerfully past the Spanish goalkeeper.
The goal not only restored parity but also ended Spain’s remarkable 649-minute run without conceding a goal at the tournament.
Courtois Injury Changes The Game
Belgium nearly completed the turnaround early in the second half when they appealed for a penalty after Rodri appeared to handle the ball inside the area following Aymeric Laporte’s header.
However, the referee waved away the appeals.
Spain continued to threaten, with Mikel Oyarzabal forcing another fine save from Courtois, who kept Belgium in the contest.
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The game’s defining moment came in the 71st minute when Courtois suffered what looked like a muscle injury.
The Real Madrid goalkeeper left the pitch visibly emotional and was replaced by Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens, making only his third senior appearance for Belgium.
Unfortunately for the young goalkeeper, his late mistake proved costly, gifting Merino the opportunity to seal Spain’s place in the semi-finals.
France Await Spain
The victory sends Luis de la Fuente’s side into another major tournament semi-final, where they will face France in Dallas on Tuesday, July 14, in what promises to be one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
With Merino producing match-winning moments when Spain need them most, La Roja will head into the clash full of confidence as they continue their quest for World Cup glory.