Spain edges Belgium to reach World Cup semifinals

By Aurax Desk | July 11, 2026 | 2 min read

Spain secured a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals after a late goal sealed a 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles. The result sends the 2010 world champions into a showdown with France as they move within one win of another World Cup final.

Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino runs with his arms outstretched and a joyful expression on the pitch, while a teammate runs toward him and a stadium crowd watches from behind.

Mikel Merino celebrates after scoring Spain's late winning goal in the 88th minute.

Spain advanced to the FIFA World Cup semifinals on Friday after defeating Belgium 2-1, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring the decisive goal late in the second half at Los Angeles Stadium. Spain took the lead in the 30th minute when Fabián Ruiz finished after sustained attacking pressure, but Belgium responded before halftime as Charles De Ketelaere headed home from a Timothy Castagne cross to level the match. Both teams created opportunities after the break before Merino capitalized on a loose ball in the 88th minute to secure Spain's place in the final four.

The victory continues Spain's strong run through the expanded 48-team tournament after eliminating Portugal in the round of 16 with another late goal from Merino. Spain controlled much of the possession against Belgium, while the Belgian side remained dangerous on the counterattack despite missing several key players because of injuries. The match drew a large crowd in Los Angeles and marked another close knockout contest in a tournament that has featured several tightly contested quarterfinals.

Spain, winners of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, will now face France in the semifinals with a place in the championship match at stake. Belgium's tournament ends after reaching the last eight, following victories in the group stage and knockout rounds that highlighted the team's resilience despite an injury-hit squad. Spain's progression also reinforces its status among the tournament favorites as it seeks its second World Cup title and first appearance in the final since lifting the trophy in South Africa 16 years ago.

Sources: Information for this report was provided by Reuters, AP, ESPN, BBC Sport, CNN and The Athletic.

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