Spain book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals after edging Belgium 2-1 in a gripping quarter-final. Fabián Ruiz gave La Roja the lead before Charles De Ketelaere equalised with Belgium’s first shot on target.
After an end-to-end second half, substitute Mikel Merino proved the hero, reacting quickest to bundle home after stand-in goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled Pau Cubarsí’s long-range effort in the 88th minute.
Belgium threw everything forward in stoppage time and came agonisingly close to forcing extra time, but Spain held firm to secure a last-four meeting with France.
