Spain 2-1 Belgium: A Substitute's Late Winner Sends La Roja to the Semifinal
Spain
BelgiumSpain controlled almost every statistic at SoFi Stadium, but it took a substitute scoring within two minutes of entering the pitch to finally see off a stubborn Belgium side. Fabián Ruiz's opener, a Charles De Ketelaere equaliser, and Mikel Merino's late winner combined for a 2-1 Quarterfinal win that sends Spain into a blockbuster Semifinal against France.
Ruiz Breaks the Deadlock, Belgium Respond
Fabián Ruiz gave Spain the lead in the 30th minute, continuing La Roja's pattern of clinical knockout-stage finishing. Belgium, who had needed extra time and penalties to get this far, showed exactly the resilience that has defined their tournament — Charles De Ketelaere levelled things up in the 41st minute, assisted by Timothy Castagne, sending the sides in level at the break.
Spain's Dominance in the Numbers
The scoreline undersold how one-sided this match was for long stretches. Spain finished with 17 total shots to Belgium's 5, and 8 shots on target to Belgium's 2 — statistical control that had not yet translated into a second goal by the hour mark, thanks in part to a well-organised Belgian defensive effort and some last-ditch goalkeeping.
Merino's Impact-Sub Winner
With the match locked at 1-1 and time running short, Spain's bench delivered. Mikel Merino came on as a substitute in the 86th minute — and just two minutes later, in the 88th, he scored the winning goal. It is the kind of impact-substitute moment that decides quarterfinals: a fresh pair of legs finding the one opening a tiring Belgian defence could not close out.
Belgium's frustration showed in the closing stages, with late yellow cards for Kevin De Bruyne and Axel Witsel as their tournament run — built on penalty-shootout nerve and a famous win over co-hosts USA — came to an end just short of the semifinals.
What's Next: Spain Set Up a Blockbuster with France
Spain now advance to face France in the Semifinal on July 14 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, after France beat Morocco 2-0 in the earlier Quarterfinal. It sets up a heavyweight clash between two of the tournament's most dominant attacking sides — Lamine Yamal and Pedri against Kylian Mbappé — for a place in the Final.
5 Numbers That Tell the Story
1. Spain out-shot Belgium 17 to 5, including 8 shots on target to Belgium's 2.
2. Mikel Merino scored the winner just 2 minutes after coming on as a substitute.
3. Belgium's run ends in the Quarterfinal — their deepest run since finishing third at the 2018 World Cup.
4. Spain remain unbeaten and have not lost a single match at the 2026 World Cup.
5. Spain now face France in the Semifinal on July 14 in Dallas — a clash of two of the tournament's most in-form teams.