Merino Strikes Late as Spain Sink Belgium to Reach Semis
LOS ANGELES, USA - The magic of the super-sub has struck again for Spain. In a grueling, physical FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final clash at Los Angeles Stadium, Spain edged out Belgium 2–1 in dramatic fashion. An 88th-minute strike from substitute Mikel Merino broke Belgian hearts and propelled La Roja into only their second-ever World Cup semi-final; matching the feat of the legendary 2010 championship squad. The victory does more than just secure a spot in the final four; it officially stamps Luis de la Fuente’s team into the history books. Spain has now stretched their unbeaten run to an astonishing 36 consecutive matches, breaking the previous national record set during their golden generation between 2007 and 2009.
The tie began as a tactical masterclass, with Spain asserting dominance early. In the 30th minute, midfielder Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring, rifling home a clinical effort to give La Roja a deserved lead. However, Belgium refused to back down. Just before the halftime interval, Charles De Ketelaere pounced in the 41st minute, slipping an equalizer past Unai Simón to level the playing field at 1–1.
The second half turned into an absolute war of attrition. The momentum heavily shifted in the final quarter-hour due to a series of devastating blows for the Red Devils. In 71st Minute: World-class Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off the pitch in tears due to a sudden injury, replaced by young backup Senne Lammens. In 85th Minute: Captain Kevin De Bruyne was shown a yellow card for dragging down Ferran Torres and immediately substituted, stripping Belgium of their veteran anchor.
Sensing the opportunity, De la Fuente immediately subbed on Mikel Merino to revitalize Spain's midfield. The tactical gamble paid off instantly.
In the 88th minute, teenage prodigy Pau Cubarsí unleashed a venomous long-range shot. Lammens spilled the initial save, and a predatory Merino reacted quickest, slamming the rebound into the back of the net to trigger absolute bedlam on the Spanish bench. A frantic stoppage-time onslaught marshaled by Romelu Lukaku couldn't break the resolute Spanish defense before the final whistle.
While Belgium’s fading 'Golden Generation' faces a heartbreaking curtain call on the world stage, Spain marches on. 18-year-old winger Lamine Yamal was awarded Player of the Match after tormenting the Belgian flanks with 6 shots and 4 successful dribbles. La Roja now travels to Dallas for a blockbuster, mouth-watering semi-final showdown next Wednesday against European rivals France.