Spain leave it late to book semifinal date with France | World Cup 2026 News
Spain Advances to World Cup Semifinals with Late Goal by Mikel Merino
June 10, 2026
DALLAS — Mikel Merino’s late-game heroics propelled Spain into the semifinals of the World Cup as they secured a 2-1 victory against Belgium on Thursday. Merino netted his decisive goal in the 88th minute, capitalizing on a rebound after backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to secure a shot from Pau Cubarsi.
Entering the match in the 86th minute, Merino scored with his second touch, delivering a crucial blow to Belgium’s hopes. Spain is set to face tournament favorites France in the semifinals on Tuesday.
The match saw Merino’s performance continue to shine; just days earlier, he had stepped off the bench to score the winning goal in extra time against Portugal, securing a 1-0 victory in the Round of 16.
Belgium’s Lammens was thrust into action in the 71st minute following an injury to starting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who left the field with a reported thigh injury. The Belgian side pushed for an equalizer in the game’s closing moments, but a volley by Aymeric Laporte thwarted their best opportunity.
Spain opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a goal from Fabian Ruiz, who took advantage of a rebound after Courtois deflected a shot by Dani Olmo. However, Belgium responded shortly before halftime when forward Charles De Ketelaere headed in a cross from Timothy Castagne, marking Spain’s first concession of the tournament after a remarkable streak of 649 minutes without allowing a goal.
Spain’s victory sets the stage for a highly anticipated matchup against France, as the tournament approaches its critical later stages.
