Merino’s Late Winner Sends Spain Into World Cup Semifinals After Beating Belgium

Dragon Media News Desk

Spain have entered the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating Belgium 2–1 in a thrilling quarterfinal match.

Mikel Merino emerged as the hero for Spain. Coming on as a substitute, he scored the decisive goal in the 88th minute to send the 2010 World Cup champions into the last four.

Fabian Ruiz had given Spain an early lead in the 30th minute. Belgium responded in the 41st minute through Charles De Ketelaere, who brought the match level at 1–1 before halftime.

Both teams created chances in the second half, but the match remained level for a long period. Just before the end of regular time, Merino scored the winning goal, ending Belgium’s World Cup campaign in the quarterfinals.

Merino had also been decisive for Spain in the Round of 16, scoring in stoppage time against Portugal to send his team into the quarterfinals.

Spain will now face France in the semifinals, while Belgium have been eliminated from the tournament.