Spain Edges Belgium to Set Up France Clash

Making the most of a costly mistake by Belgium’s substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens, Spain’s Mikel Merino scored a late winner to send the European champions into the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Spain will now face France for a place in the final.

It was Merino’s second consecutive match-winning goal of the tournament, further cementing his reputation as Spain’s “super sub.”

After a closely contested encounter in which both teams created opportunities, the match turned on a late substitution and an unfortunate error.

With the score level in the 88th minute, Lammens, who had replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois only moments earlier, failed to hold a routine shot inside the penalty area. Merino reacted first, driving the rebound into the net to secure Spain’s place in the last four.

Like his decisive strike in Spain’s Round of 16 victory over Portugal, Merino again delivered after coming off the bench. His ability to influence matches at critical moments has rewarded the confidence shown in him by the coaching staff and established him as one of the tournament’s most effective impact substitutes.

The victory sets up one of the most anticipated matchups of the World Cup, with European champions Spain taking on 2022 FIFA World Cup runners-up France in the semifinals. Both nations entered the tournament among the favorites and have largely lived up to expectations.

Europe is also guaranteed at least one more semifinalist, with England and Norway meeting in another quarterfinal. The fourth semifinal spot will be decided when defending champions Argentina face Switzerland, leaving open the possibility of an all-European semifinal lineup.

France has been one of the tournament’s standout teams, winning all of its group-stage matches while scoring at least three goals in each contest. Kylian Mbappe has led the attack with eight goals in five matches, matching Argentina captain Lionel Messi atop the scoring charts.

France has consistently overwhelmed opponents with its pace, athleticism and efficiency on the counterattack. Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele have combined for 13 of the team’s goals, making them one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking partnerships.

Spain entered the quarterfinal unbeaten in its previous 36 matches. Its disciplined style of play and ability to control possession had prevented opponents from finding the net until Belgium became the first team to score against the Spaniards at this World Cup.

Belgium, widely viewed before the tournament as a team past its peak, exceeded expectations by finishing first in its group, defeating Senegal in the Round of 32 and eliminating the United States in the Round of 16.

The Belgians suffered a significant setback before kickoff when captain Youri Tielemans was ruled out with an injury sustained during warmups. The nature of the injury was not disclosed. Belgium was already without midfielder Amadou Onana, who was sidelined for the remainder of the tournament after tearing a knee ligament earlier in the competition.

Spain began the match on the front foot and controlled much of the first half. Its sustained pressure paid off in the 30th minute when Pedro Porro advanced down the right flank and found Dani Olmo. Courtois parried Olmo’s effort, but Fabián Ruiz was first to the rebound, firing the ball through a defender’s legs and into the open net.

The goal rewarded Ruiz, who had been handed a place in the starting lineup after Spain coach Luis de la Fuente made a late selection change.

Spain appeared in control for much of the opening half, limiting Belgium’s possession and restricting its attacking opportunities. However, Belgium equalized in the 41st minute with one of its first meaningful attacks, scoring the first goal conceded by Spain in the tournament.

Kevin De Bruyne’s incisive first-time pass released Timothy Castagne down the flank, allowing him to deliver a cross into the penalty area. Charles De Ketelaere beat Pau Cubarsi to the ball and headed home to level the score.

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