Mikel Merino Strikes Again as Spain Edge Belgium 2-1 to Reach Semi-Finals
Fabian Ruiz and a stoppage-time header from substitute Mikel Merino, who also scored the winner against Portugal, sent Spain past Belgium 2-1 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and into a semi-final against France.
S pain defeated Belgium 2-1 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on 10 July to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup, in front of 70,492 spectators.
Fabian Ruiz put Spain ahead in the 30th minute, but Charles De Ketelaere levelled for Belgium eleven minutes later. The game stayed level for long stretches before substitute Mikel Merino, who had also scored the winner against Portugal in the round of 16, struck again in the 88th minute to settle it. Pau Cubarsi, Kevin De Bruyne, Aymeric Laporte and Axel Witsel were all booked.
Spain advance to face France in the semi-finals on 14 July in Dallas.