{"id":28206,"date":"2026-07-10T21:48:31","date_gmt":"2026-07-10T21:48:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/28206\/"},"modified":"2026-07-10T21:48:31","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T21:48:31","slug":"spain-beats-belgium-to-reach-world-cup-semifinals-in-photos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/28206\/","title":{"rendered":"Spain beats Belgium to reach World Cup semifinals, in photos"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Spain has reached the World Cup semifinals, getting a late goal from Mikel Merino to beat Belgium 2-1 on Friday in Inglewood, California. La Roja conceded their first goal of the tournament but extended their unbeaten streak to 37 matches. Spain will meet France in the semis on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>___<\/p>\n<p>This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-d40000\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Spain's Mikel Merino (6) scores their second goal during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Mark J. Terrill)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1783720108_940_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Spain\u2019s Mikel Merino (6) scores their second goal during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Mark J. Terrill)<\/p>\n<p>Spain\u2019s Mikel Merino (6) scores their second goal during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Mark J. Terrill)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-d40001\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Spain's Mikel Merino (6), center, scores their second goal during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Mark J. Terrill)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1783720108_788_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Spain\u2019s Mikel Merino (6), center, scores their second goal during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Mark J. Terrill)<\/p>\n<p>Spain\u2019s Mikel Merino (6), center, scores their second goal during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Mark J. Terrill)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-d40002\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Spain's Mikel Merino cel not seen in the frame celebrates with his teammates after scoring their second goal during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/ Jae C. Hong)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1783720108_944_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Spain\u2019s Mikel Merino cel not seen in the frame celebrates with his teammates after scoring their second goal during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/ Jae C. Hong)<\/p>\n<p>Spain\u2019s Mikel Merino cel not seen in the frame celebrates with his teammates after scoring their second goal during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/ Jae C. Hong)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-d40003\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"A Spanish fan cheers before the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Andre Penner)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1783720109_727_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>A Spanish fan cheers before the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Andre Penner)<\/p>\n<p>A Spanish fan cheers before the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Andre Penner)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-d40004\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) celebrates with his teammate Leandro Trossard scoring their first goal during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/ Jae C. Hong)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1783720109_44_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Belgium\u2019s Charles De Ketelaere (17) celebrates with his teammate Leandro Trossard scoring their first goal during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/ Jae C. Hong)<\/p>\n<p>Belgium\u2019s Charles De Ketelaere (17) celebrates with his teammate Leandro Trossard scoring their first goal during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/ Jae C. Hong)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-d40005\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) scores their opening goal past Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon (23) during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Mark J. Terrill)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1783720109_738_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Belgium\u2019s Charles De Ketelaere (17) scores their opening goal past Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon (23) during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Mark J. Terrill)<\/p>\n<p>Belgium\u2019s Charles De Ketelaere (17) scores their opening goal past Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon (23) during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Mark J. Terrill)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-d40006\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) celebrates scoring their first goal during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Gregory Bull)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1783720109_328_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Belgium\u2019s Charles De Ketelaere (17) celebrates scoring their first goal during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Gregory Bull)<\/p>\n<p>Belgium\u2019s Charles De Ketelaere (17) celebrates scoring their first goal during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Gregory Bull)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-d50000\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"A Belgium supporter cheers before the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Gregory Bull)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1783720110_164_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>A Belgium supporter cheers before the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Gregory Bull)<\/p>\n<p>A Belgium supporter cheers before the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Gregory Bull)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-d50001\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Spain's Lamine Yamal (19) controls the ball during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Andre Penner)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1783720110_903_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Spain\u2019s Lamine Yamal (19) controls the ball during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Andre Penner)<\/p>\n<p>Spain\u2019s Lamine Yamal (19) controls the ball during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Andre Penner)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-d50002\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal (21) reaches for the ball behind Belgium's Nicolas Raskin (23) during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Marcio J. Sanchez)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1783720110_739_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Spain\u2019s Mikel Oyarzabal (21) reaches for the ball behind Belgium\u2019s Nicolas Raskin (23) during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Marcio J. Sanchez)<\/p>\n<p>Spain\u2019s Mikel Oyarzabal (21) reaches for the ball behind Belgium\u2019s Nicolas Raskin (23) during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Marcio J. Sanchez)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-d50003\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Spain's Dani Olmo (10) battles for the ball with Belgium's Brandon Mechele (4) during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Lindsey Wasson)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1783720110_825_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Spain\u2019s Dani Olmo (10) battles for the ball with Belgium\u2019s Brandon Mechele (4) during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Lindsey Wasson)<\/p>\n<p>Spain\u2019s Dani Olmo (10) battles for the ball with Belgium\u2019s Brandon Mechele (4) during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Lindsey Wasson)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-d50004\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Spain's Dani Olmo (10), right, and Belgium's Nicolas Raskin (23) challenge for the ball during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Andre Penner)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1783720111_781_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Spain\u2019s Dani Olmo (10), right, and Belgium\u2019s Nicolas Raskin (23) challenge for the ball during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Andre Penner)<\/p>\n<p>Spain\u2019s Dani Olmo (10), right, and Belgium\u2019s Nicolas Raskin (23) challenge for the ball during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Andre Penner)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-d50005\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere is grabbed by Spain's Pau Cubarsi during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/ Jae C. Hong)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1783720111_62_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Belgium\u2019s Charles De Ketelaere is grabbed by Spain\u2019s Pau Cubarsi during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/ Jae C. Hong)<\/p>\n<p>Belgium\u2019s Charles De Ketelaere is grabbed by Spain\u2019s Pau Cubarsi during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/ Jae C. Hong)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-d50006\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Spain's Fabian Ruiz (8) scores their opening goal during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Gregory Bull)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1783720111_875_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Spain\u2019s Fabian Ruiz (8) scores their opening goal during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Gregory Bull)<\/p>\n<p>Spain\u2019s Fabian Ruiz (8) scores their opening goal during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Gregory Bull)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-d50007\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Spain's Fabian Ruiz (8) reacts after scoring the opening goal of his team during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Andre Penner)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1783720111_593_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Spain\u2019s Fabian Ruiz (8) reacts after scoring the opening goal of his team during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Andre Penner)<\/p>\n<p>Spain\u2019s Fabian Ruiz (8) reacts after scoring the opening goal of his team during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Spain and Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo\/Andre Penner)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Spain has reached the World Cup semifinals, getting a late goal from Mikel Merino to beat Belgium 2-1&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":28207,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[4],"tags":[7,3933,15508,15668,6235,3934,116,15507,1176,15667,15669],"class_list":["post-28206","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-belgium","tag-belgium","tag-fifa-world-cup","tag-mikel-merino","tag-photo-galleries","tag-photography","tag-soccer","tag-spain","tag-spain-national-soccer-team","tag-sports","tag-trending-photo","tag-world-cup-daily-photo-gallery"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@be\/116897887432234923","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28206","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28206"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28206\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28207"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28206"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28206"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28206"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}