Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals with a 2–1 victory over Belgium in the quarter-finals on 11 July 2026. Goals from Fabián Ruiz and substitute Mikel Merino secured the win at Los Angeles Stadium after Charles De Ketelaere had equalised for Belgium before half-time. Spain advanced to face France in the last four.
Spain controlled much of the opening period and were rewarded in the 30th minute when Fabián Ruiz converted from close range after Belgium failed to clear the ball. Belgium responded against the run of play through Charles De Ketelaere, who levelled the match in the 41st minute to ensure the teams went into the interval tied at 1–1.
The second half remained evenly contested as Spain dominated possession while Belgium defended resolutely and looked to threaten on the counterattack. With extra time looming, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente introduced Mikel Merino from the bench in the closing stages. Merino made an immediate impact, scoring in the 88th minute after capitalising on a rebound to restore Spain’s lead. Belgium could not find another equaliser before the final whistle, ending their World Cup campaign at the quarter-final stage.
The victory sent Spain into their first FIFA World Cup semi-final since 2010 and set up a meeting with France. Belgium exited the tournament after a competitive performance in which they matched Spain for long periods but were undone by a late goal.
- Fabián Ruiz (Spain): Opened the scoring in the 30th minute.
- Charles De Ketelaere (Belgium): Equalised in the 41st minute.
- Mikel Merino (Spain): Scored the winning goal in the 88th minute after coming on as a substitute.
- Spain: Advanced to the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals to face France.
The turning point came in the 88th minute when substitute Mikel Merino reacted quickest to a loose ball in the penalty area and scored the decisive goal. The late strike ended Belgium’s resistance and secured Spain’s place in the semi-finals.
Match Statistics
- Tournament: FIFA World Cup 2026
- Round: Quarter-final
- Date: 11 July 2026
- Venue: Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, California
- Final Score: Spain 2–1 Belgium
- Half-time: Spain 1–1 Belgium
- Goals:
- Spain: Fabián Ruiz (30′), Mikel Merino (88′)
- Belgium: Charles De Ketelaere (41′)
- Result: Spain advanced to the semi-finals.