Spain’s remarkable FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign continues after Mikel Merino delivered another dramatic late winner to fire La Roja into the semi-finals with a 2-1 victory over Belgium.
Just days after scoring the decisive stoppage-time goal against Portugal in the Round of 16, Merino once again emerged as Spain’s hero, this time striking in the closing minutes to eliminate the Red Devils and keep Spain’s dream of a second World Cup title alive.
Spain made an aggressive start and almost earned an early breakthrough in the 13th minute when their players appealed for a penalty after the ball appeared to strike a Belgian defender’s hand inside the area.
However, English referee Michael Oliver waved play on, allowing the match to continue. Despite the setback, Spain maintained complete control of possession and continued to pin Belgium deep inside their own half.
Spain’s relentless pressure finally paid off in the 30th minute. After Belgium initially blocked an effort inside the penalty area, Fabián Ruiz reacted quickest to the loose ball, firing home from close range beyond Thibaut Courtois to hand Spain a deserved 1-0 lead.
Belgium refused to go quietly. The Red Devils responded with greater urgency and found an equaliser four minutes before the break.
A pinpoint cross from Timothy Castagne found Charles De Ketelaere, who rose highest to power a header into the far corner, restoring parity at 1-1 heading into half-time.
Spain resumed the second half in dominant fashion, with head coach Luis de la Fuente introducing Pedri and Ferran Torres to inject fresh creativity into the attack.
In the 63rd minute, Mikel Oyarzabal came close to restoring Spain’s lead, but Courtois produced another outstanding save to keep Belgium alive.
Moments later, however, Belgium suffered a significant setback when Courtois was forced off through injury.
His replacement, Senne Lammens, entered the match under immediate pressure.
The decisive moment arrived in the 88th minute. Only minutes after Courtois’ departure, Merino capitalised on a loose ball inside the Belgian penalty area, calmly finishing past Lammens to restore Spain’s lead at 2-1.
It was another clutch finish from the Arsenal midfielder, who is rapidly becoming Spain’s biggest knockout-stage hero.
Belgium threw everything forward during stoppage time in search of another equaliser, while Spain defended with composure to protect their narrow advantage.
The closing stages became increasingly physical, with Michael Oliver issuing yellow cards to Aymeric Laporte and Axel Witsel following robust challenges.
After surviving Belgium’s late pressure, Spain secured a hard-earned victory and booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals.
Spain’s latest triumph further strengthens their credentials as one of the tournament favourites.
Goals from Fabián Ruiz and Mikel Merino proved enough to overcome Belgium after Charles De Ketelaere had briefly levelled the contest.
Having now eliminated both Portugal and Belgium in successive knockout matches, Luis de la Fuente’s side continues to build momentum at exactly the right time.
With Merino once again delivering on the biggest stage, Spain moves within two victories of lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy for the second time in its history.
Credit Photo : RFEF
