\n Mikel Merino scored a late winner for the second game running to send Spain into the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Belgium. <\/p>\n
Issued on: 11\/07\/2026 – 01:37<\/p>\n
2 min Reading time\n<\/p>\n
Four days after his stoppage-time strike killed off Portugal<\/a> in the last-16, the 30-year-old Arsenal striker entered as an 86th minute replacement for Dani Olmo and destroyed another World Cup adventure.<\/p>\n Only on the field for two minutes, his second touch of the ball zoomed into roof of the Belgium goal to give his side a 2-1 lead.<\/p>\n Though Belgium pressed for an equaliser, Spain held on to set up a semi-final with France on Tuesday in Dallas.<\/p>\n Belgium breach Spain rearguard <\/p>\n The goal was cruel on a Belgium side that more than held its own against one of the favourites for the crown<\/a>\u00a0after losing captain Youri Tielemans to an injury during the pre-match warm-up.<\/p>\n Spain took the lead in the 31st minute when Fabian Ruiz prodded the ball into the net after the Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had parried Pedro Porro’s shot.<\/p>\n But just before half-time, Charles De Ketelaere<\/a> nodded in the equaliser with his third goal of the tournament. It was the first time Spain had conceded a goal.<\/p>\n Though Belgium failed to dominate possession, they nullified Spain’s famed passing game with last ditch tackles, interceptions and Courtois’ agility.<\/p>\n ‘Belgium’s bad luck’ <\/p>\n \u00a0A hip injury eventually claimed Courtois in the 71st minute and\u00a0the tie appeared to be heading towards extra-time when Spain went old school.<\/p>\n Spain’s unbeaten defence to meet Belgium’s late surge in LA quarter-final<\/a><\/p>\n Defender Pau Cubarsi advanced and cracked a shot from 25 metres at the Belgium goal which substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled.\u00a0 Merino homed in for glory.<\/p>\n “I couldn’t have imagined, even in my wildest dreams, achieving what’s happening right now,” said Merino.<\/p>\n “I always believe I can do well whenever I step onto the pitch. I trust that my moment will come.”<\/p>\n Spain coach Luis de la Fuente hailed the striker for embracing his role within the squad.<\/p>\n “Merino has many strengths,” de la Fuente. “He could play for any national team or club, and for us he’s the perfect fit for this team and this style of play.\u00a0 We know that whenever we need him, he’s always there.”<\/p>\n Mbapp\u00e9 plays down injury fears after France beat Morocco to reach World Cup semis<\/a><\/p>\n