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| Photos: Getty Images |
~Story courtesy New York Times
Mikel Merino struck deep into injury time to send Spain into the 2026 World Cup semi-finals, defeating Belgium 2-1 on Friday, July 10, 2026.
The dramatic winner came after substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled a routine effort minutes after coming on for the injured Thibaut Courtois.
Spain had taken the lead through Fabian Ruiz, but Belgium fought back when Charles De Ketelaere rose to head in a superb equaliser.
The match looked destined for extra time until Merino pounced to seal Spain’s victory and set up a tantalising semi-final meeting with France.
Spain will face France in Dallas on July 14 as they seek to reach their first World Cup final since winning the tournament in 2010.
Spain are into a World Cup semi-final for only the second time in their history, after the 2010 run that ended with the trophy.
They’re the first reigning European champions to reach this stage since, yes, themselves in 2010, and they’ve now set the outright longest unbeaten run in their history: 36 matches without defeat since a loss to Colombia in March 2024 (27 wins, 9 draws).
Luis de la Fuente, meanwhile, has now gone more games across the World Cup and Euros without losing than any manager in history - 13, with 12 wins and a single draw.
Spain match-winner Mikel Merino has also spoken to TV Espana about scoring his second late winner in as many knockout games.
The Arsenal midfielder scored in stoppage time to seal a 1-0 win against Portugal in the last 16, then today in the 88th minute to seal the win against Belgium.
Lamine Yamal didn’t score today but his dazzling skill, backed by bravery and a constant willingness to make something happen, means you can’t take your eyes off him for one second.
Halfway through the second half, the winger had a long-range curler batted away by Courtois, before slipping a delicate pass into Oyarzabal, who forced another stop from the Belgian goalkeeper.
The Barcelona star will need to be at his very best if Spain stand any chance against France in the semi-finals.
It is also fair to say Fabian Ruiz enjoyed his day’s work. And that from someone who has won the Champions League twice in the past two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain. Here is his initial reaction to TV Espana:
“It’s incredible. To start and then score a goal, a dream you never imagined. You just can’t explain the feeling of going on to the pitch, hearing the Spanish anthem, seeing what we’re doing.
“It’s special to reach a semi-final, with your family in the crowd, the fans, and a whole country pushing you. There’s nothing nicer than that. It’s a unique emotion, just being part of this team, this family.”
On the other hand, it was tough afternoon for Senne Lammens, spilling Cubarsi’s long-range strike which Merino pounced on to score. What an occasion, and tough assignment, to be brought into for just your third international cap.
The Manchester United man’s only other appearances for Belgium came in the 5-2 friendly win over the USA in March, and a 7-0 qualifying victory over Liechtenstein in November.
The stakes were slightly different here.
Senne Lammens cut the loneliest figure in the stadium, perhaps even in the entire state of California, at the final whistle, as he slowly paced, head down, to the edge of the Belgium penalty area.
After he had been comforted by a member of the Belgian coaching staff, Thibaut Courtois marched across the turf and embraced him.
After such a costly error, the Manchester United man is likely to need plenty of support.
Nevertheless, and Like many of Spain’s matches at this World Cup, this contest was somewhat lacking in quality in the final third.
When Spain took the lead through Fabian Ruiz, it appeared the game might turn into a procession. Instead, Belgium weathered the storm and drew level through Charles De Ketelaere towards the end of the first half.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Spain enjoying much more possession in attacking areas but rarely testing either of Belgium’s two goalkeepers. They eventually found a way through, although it took a goalkeeping error to secure their passage to the semi-finals.
Notwithstanding, Spain were too strong for Belgium and their incessant pressure eventually told with Mikel Merino’s late winner sealing their spot in the semi-finals.
Belgium demonstrated limited attacking adventure, managing just five shots compared to Spain’s 17, with Luis de la Fuente’s men dominating the ball.
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