Mikel Merino fired Spain into the World Cup semi-finals with a late winner in the 88th minute as Belgium suffered a cruel 2-1 quarter-final defeat on 10 July 2026. The Arsenal midfielder pounced after substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens could not hold a strike from range, condemning Belgium to an exit at the last-eight stage.
Belgium Hit by Early Blow
Belgium were dealt a major setback before kick-off when captain Youri Tielemans was a late withdrawal from the starting lineup. Despite being viewed as underdogs against the European champions, Belgium showed more adventure than expected. However, Spain dominated possession and broke the deadlock in the 30th minute through Fabian Ruiz.
Dani Olmo met a low cross from Pedro Porro, only to be thwarted by Thibaut Courtois. The veteran goalkeeper could only divert the ball onto the boot of Ruiz, who scored from close range. Lamine Yamal went close to doubling Spain's lead, drilling into the side netting after dazzling footwork, but Belgium struck back against the run of play.
De Ketelaere Levels for Belgium
Charles De Ketelaere got across his man to head the ball past Unai Simon, ending Spain's run of 649 minutes without conceding at the World Cup. Belgium went into the break buoyed and continued to attack in the second half. Maxim De Cuyper was left on his knees in the penalty area after sending a strike into the side netting, and Spain's defence scrambled to prevent another goal.
Yamal responded instantly with a shot at Courtois, but the game turned on a cruel injury to the Belgian goalkeeper. Courtois sat down to receive medical treatment and was forced off in tears, replaced by Manchester United's Lammens. The substitute could not hold a strike from range, allowing Merino to pounce and seal Spain's victory.
Spain Advance as Belgium Rues Luck
Spain will now face the winner of the other quarter-final in the semi-finals. For Belgium, the defeat marks a heartbreaking end to their World Cup campaign, with injuries to key players and late drama proving decisive. According to reports, Courtois' injury left him in tears as he left the pitch, adding to Belgium's misfortune.
