World Cup 2026: Spain survive Belgium test to set up semi-final clash with France

Spain survived a tough challenge from Belgium to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a late goal from substitute Mikel Merino secured a dramatic 2-1 victory.

The midfielder came off the bench to score the decisive goal in the 88th minute, sending Spain into the final four and setting up a blockbuster semi-final meeting with France.

The victory keeps Spain’s hopes of winning their second World Cup title alive, while Belgium’s campaign ended after a spirited performance against one of the tournament favourites.

Fabian Ruiz gives Spain the perfect start

Spain began the match on the front foot and almost opened the scoring through Dani Olmo in the 30th minute.

The forward capitalised on a loose pass inside the penalty area before firing a powerful low shot towards the centre of the goal, but Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois reacted quickly to make the save.

However, Spain broke the deadlock moments later.

In the 30th minute, Fabian Ruiz reacted fastest after the ball fell to him inside the box and fired a low effort into the middle of the goal to give Spain a 1-0 lead.

De Ketelaere brings Belgium back

Belgium responded strongly after falling behind and restored parity before half-time.

In the 41st minute, Charles De Ketelaere produced a composed finish from close range, heading Timothy Castagne’s excellent cross into the left side of the net to make it 1-1.

The goal gave Belgium renewed confidence as both teams went into the interval level.

Merino delivers late winner

The second half continued at a high intensity, with both sides searching for the decisive moment.

Spain came close to regaining the lead in the 63rd minute when Mikel Oyarzabal found space inside the box and placed his effort towards the bottom-right corner, but Courtois produced a brilliant last-ditch save to deny him.

Belgium’s resistance was finally broken two minutes from the end of normal time.

In the 88th minute, Merino reacted quickest after the ball fell loose inside the penalty area and fired the rebound into the middle of the goal to give Spain a 2-1 advantage.

The late strike proved decisive as Spain held on to secure their place in the World Cup semi-finals.

France await Spain in the semi-finals

Spain’s reward for overcoming Belgium is a semi-final showdown against France, who defeated Morocco in the quarter-finals.

The meeting between two European heavyweights will decide who advances to the 2026 World Cup final, with Spain aiming to repeat their historic triumph from 2010 and France seeking another appearance on football’s biggest stage.