Merino scores late winner as Spain edge Belgium to reach FIFA World Cup semi-finals

Mikel Merino's late winner sent Spain into the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on Friday.

Spain will face France in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final in Arlington on Tuesday.

For the second match in a row, Merino came off the bench to win the knockout game for Spain.

Merino, who scored the winner in second-half stoppage time against Portugal in the round of 16 after spending less than six minutes on the pitch on Monday, entered in the 86th minute and smashed a winner in the 88th minute after Pau Cubarsi's 25-yard effort was spilled by Senne Lammens.

The goalkeeper managed to make the save but failed to keep hold of the ball, allowing the rebound to fall to Merino, who made no mistake.

Lammens replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois (four saves) in the 71st minute. The Real Madrid goalkeeper was forced off after sustaining an apparent leg injury.

Fabian Ruiz put Spain ahead in the 30th minute, scoring on a rebound after Dani Olmo’s shot was saved.

The move began with a one-two down the left between Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro, which found Dani Olmo in the centre of the penalty area.

Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere scored an equaliser in the 41st minute, marking the first time Spain had conceded a goal at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Timothy Castagne sent the ball into the box for Belgian forward Ketelaere to brilliantly fire home.

Belgium had their 18-match unbeaten streak end. Spain claimed their only title in 2010.