Mikel Merino once again came to the rescue as Spain claimed a 2-1 victory against Belgium to qualify for the 2026 World Cup semi final after 90 minutes of action.
The victory not only keeps the La Roja’s dream of World Cup glory alive but also extends their remarkable unbeaten streak to 37 matches, setting up a semi-final clash against tournament favorites France.
The encounter began as a classic match between two technically gifted sides. Spain, coached by Luis de la Fuente, immediately sought to assert their characteristic possession-based dominance.
Their patience paid off in the 30th minute when Fabián Ruiz broke the deadlock, firing a clinical effort home to put La Roja ahead.
Belgium, however, refused to go down easy. Despite entering the match with a depleted midfield, suffering from the absences of Amadou Onana and captain Youri Tielemans, the Red Devils remained composed.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 41st minute. Charles De Ketelaere, playing in a makeshift forward role, rose to meet a teasing cross from Timothy Castagne, heading the ball beyond the reach of Unai Simon.
This goal held significant historical weight, as it was the first time the Spanish national team had conceded in the entire 2026 tournament.
The game’s narrative shifted dramatically in the second half. Belgium’s veteran goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who had been instrumental in keeping his side in the contest with four crucial saves.
Unfortunately, the Real Madrid goalkeeper was forced off the pitch in the 71st minute due to a thigh injury. His departure was a crushing blow for the Belgian national team, emotionally and tactically.
Backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens was thrown into the fray, and while he initially acquitted himself well under pressure, the lack of experience at the highest level eventually proved costly.
As the clock ticked toward extra time, Spain began to exert suffocating pressure on the Belgian defense. The decisive moment arrived in the 88th minute.
Pau Cubarsi launched a long-range effort that Lammens saved, but the goalkeeper could only palm the ball into a dangerous area.
Mikel Merino, who had been introduced to the pitch just 117 seconds earlier as a substitute, showed incredible awareness to charge into the box.
With his second touch of the game, he tucked the rebound into the back of the net which made the scoreline 2-1 with little left to be played.
The goal was a back-to-back moment for Spanish fans, as Merino had also stepped up to provide a late-game winner against Portugal in the Round of 16.
While Belgium pressed desperately for an equalizer in the closing minutes, Spain’s defensive core, held firm to secure their place in the final four with a 2-1 victory.
The challenge for Spain only gets tougher as they move on into the next rounf. Their victory sets the stage for a heavyweight semi-final showdown against France in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday.
With 37 games without a defeat, the European champions arrive at the semi-finals with immense confidence, though they will know that the French test represents the ultimate barrier to their ambitions.
The La Roja’s proved a lot against a Belgium side that showed pure class despite them ending up as the losing team and unfortunately marking an end to their 2026 World Cup campaign.
