\n\n
Spain secured a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles. Fabián Ruiz gave Spain the lead in the 30th minute, but Charles De Ketelaere equalised before halftime to end Spain’s remarkable run without conceding a goal at the tournament.
With extra time looming, Mikel Merino emerged as Spain’s hero once again, scoring the decisive goal in the 88th minute after capitalising on a rebound from Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Belgium pushed for another equaliser in the closing minutes, with Romelu Lukaku leading the attack, but Spain held firm to secure the win. The result extends Spain’s impressive unbeaten run and sends them into their first World Cup semi-final since winning the tournament in 2010.
Spain will now face France in a blockbuster semi-final on July 14, after the French side defeated Morocco 2-0 in the other quarter-final. The encounter is expected to be one of the biggest matches of the tournament as both European giants battle for a place in the World Cup final.
