Merino’s late strike sends Spain into Semi-finals
LOS ANGELES: Spain booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals after Mikel Merino scored a dramatic late winner to secure a 2-1 victory over Belgium.
Fabián Ruiz gave Spain the lead in the first half, but Belgium responded through Charles De Ketelaere, who powered home a superb headed equaliser to keep the contest finely balanced.
With extra time looming, Merino capitalised on a costly error from Belgium’s substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who spilled a routine effort shortly after replacing the injured Thibaut Courtois, allowing the Spanish midfielder to score the decisive goal.
The victory sets up a blockbuster semi-final against France in Dallas on July 14, with Spain now just one win away from reaching their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 2010.
