Spain are headed back to the FIFA World Cup semifinals after surviving a fierce battle with Belgium, scoring a dramatic late winner to claim a 2-1 victory in a captivating quarterfinal that showcased resilience, quality, and heartbreak.
Luis de la Fuente’s side booked a blockbuster semifinal showdown with France after substitute Mikel Merino once again emerged as Spain’s hero, capitalizing on a costly goalkeeping error late in the match to send La Roja into the tournament’s final four.
Belgium’s afternoon got off to the worst possible start before the opening whistle. Midfielder Youri Tielemans, originally named in the starting lineup, was forced to withdraw just before kickoff because of injury. Hans Vanaken stepped into the lineup, forcing Belgium into an unexpected reshuffle before the quarterfinal had even begun.
Spain wasted little time taking control, dictating possession and creating the opening chances. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal looked dangerous from the outset, curling an effort just wide from outside the penalty area as Spain established early dominance.
Spain’s pressure paid off midway through the opening half through an excellent combination involving Yamal.
The Barcelona winger exchanged passes with Pedro Porro before cutting the ball back into the middle for Dani Olmo, whose fierce first-time strike was brilliantly stopped by Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
The rebound, however, fell kindly to Fabián Ruiz, who reacted quickest and smashed his effort home. The shot took a deflection off Timothy Castagne before finding the back of the net, giving Spain a deserved 1-0 advantage.
Belgium refused to let Spain seize complete control. Just 11 minutes after conceding, the Red Devils found their equalizer with an excellent team move down the right flank.
Castagne, eager to make amends for the earlier deflection, delivered a superb cross into the penalty area where Charles De Ketelaere beat young defender Pau Cubarsí to the ball before powering a header beyond Unai Simón.
The goal was significant beyond simply leveling the score. It ended Spain’s remarkable streak of 650 consecutive minutes without conceding a World Cup goal, a run dating back to the group stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
With momentum shifting back and forth, the teams headed into halftime level at 1-1 after an entertaining opening 45 minutes.
The second half continued at a frantic pace. Yamal once again threatened Belgium’s defense, forcing Courtois into action, although replays suggested the youngster had drifted marginally offside and any goal would likely have been ruled out.
Belgium nearly completed the turnaround when Maxim De Cuyper found space inside the area but drove his effort into the side netting.
Moments later, Belgium believed they should have been awarded a penalty after the ball struck Rodri’s arm following a ricochet off teammate Aymeric Laporte.
After a brief look, play continued, much to Belgium’s frustration. Belgium’s hopes suffered a devastating setback in the 71st minute.
After making another outstanding save at his near post to deny Mikel Oyarzabal, Courtois went down with what appeared to be a thigh injury.
The veteran goalkeeper looked emotional as he left the field, understanding both the significance of the match and the seriousness of the injury.
Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens entered in his place for one of the biggest moments of his young international career. Unfortunately for Belgium, it proved to be the decisive turning point.
As extra time loomed, Spain found the breakthrough in dramatic fashion. Cubarsí tried his luck from distance with a low effort that should have been comfortably handled, but Lammens could only parry the ball awkwardly.
As the Belgian goalkeeper scrambled desperately to recover possession, Merino reacted first, lifting the loose ball over him and into the net to give Spain a dramatic 2-1 lead.
It was another clutch moment from Merino, whose knack for producing decisive goals continued on the sport’s biggest stage.
Belgium threw numbers forward during the closing minutes but could not find another equalizer as Spain held firm to secure their place in the semifinals.
The victory sends Spain into a mouthwatering semifinal against France, with a place in the FIFA World Cup Final on the line.
With Yamal continuing to dazzle, Ruiz controlling midfield, and Merino once again proving to be Spain’s late-match hero, Luis de la Fuente’s squad continues to strengthen its case as one of the tournament favorites.
Belgium, meanwhile, exit the competition after another heartbreaking knockout defeat. Injuries to key players, including Tielemans before kickoff and Courtois during the match, ultimately proved too much to overcome despite another spirited performance from De Ketelaere and company.
Now, Spain turn their attention to France in what promises to be one of the tournament’s biggest matches, with only one victory separating either European giant from a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.
