Mikel Merino scored his second consecutive late winner to lift Spain past Belgium 2-1 in the World Cup quarterfinals, setting up a semifinal showdown with France.
Mikel Merino once again emerged as Spain's unlikely World Cup hero, scoring a dramatic 88th-minute goal to secure a 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Belgium on July 10, 2026, in Inglewood, California.
This came just four days after his injury-time winner against Portugal. Merino, often utilized as a depth player or substitute, has transformed into a decisive super-sub, capitalizing on a mistake by Belgium's backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who entered after an injury to star keeper Thibaut Courtois.
Fabián Ruiz had earlier given Spain the lead in the 30th minute, but Charles De Ketelaere scored Belgium's first goal conceded by Spain in the tournament to level the match in the 41st. Merino's clutch performance, scoring on his second touch after coming on in the 86th minute, propelled Spain to its first semifinal since their 2010 World Cup triumph. Spain now faces tournament favorite France in a highly anticipated titanic semifinal clash on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas.
Both teams remain unbeaten at this World Cup. Merino expressed disbelief and gratitude, highlighting the importance of readiness and belief, while Belgium coach Rudi Garcia lamented his side's efficiency and Courtois's injury, noting that luck played a role. Spain extends its unbeaten run to 37 competitive matches, while Belgium's 18-match unbeaten streak ends. The match also marked the end of Spain's defensive streak of five clean sheets and goalkeeper Unai Simón's record 650-minute shutout
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