A substitute came off the bench in the 88th minute and broke Belgian hearts, sending Spain to the World Cup semifinals in one of the most dramatic finishes of the 2026 tournament.
Match Snapshot
- Spain beat Belgium 2-1 on July 10, 2026, in a tense World Cup quarterfinal.
- Fabian Ruiz scored first, Belgium equalized, then Mikel Merino won it late.
- Merino’s 88th-minute goal sent Spain to the semifinals to face France.
- The match was played at SoFi Stadium and drew massive global attention.
Spain Takes the Lead, Belgium Fights Back
Spain struck first through Fabian Ruiz, putting La Roja in control early in the match. Belgium, led by Kevin De Bruyne, refused to fold. The Belgians equalized to level the score at 1-1, turning what could have been a routine win into a nail-biting contest. By halftime, neither side had the upper hand, and the outcome was far from certain.
Belgium’s ability to get back into the game showed this was no easy defensive shutdown for Spain. Both teams created chances and the match had the feel of a true knockout-round battle. Fans watching around the world got exactly the kind of high-stakes drama that makes the World Cup unlike any other sporting event on the planet.
Merino Delivers the Knockout Blow
With just two minutes left in regulation, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente turned to substitute Mikel Merino. The decision paid off instantly. Merino headed home the winner in the 88th minute, stunning Belgium and sending Spain’s players and fans into a frenzy. It was the kind of moment that defines careers and World Cup runs alike.
According to the Fédération Internationale de Football Association’s (FIFA) official match report, Fabian Ruiz and Mikel Merino scored the goals as Spain edged Belgium 2-1. ESPN confirmed the final score and noted that Spain “snatched a place in the World Cup semi-finals” with the dramatic late victory. The New York Times’ athletic coverage reported Merino’s strike as the decisive blow in a hard-fought win.
Spain Heads to the Semifinals Against France
With the win, Spain booked a place in the final four of the 2026 World Cup. Their next opponent is France, setting up one of the most anticipated semifinal matchups in recent tournament history. Two of Europe’s most storied soccer nations will now battle for a spot in the final, with the winner one step closer to lifting the World Cup trophy.
Spain vs Belgium FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final Result | Spain 2-1 Belgium
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— Kartik Sharma (@Livescoredesk) July 11, 2026
Spain’s run to the semis has been built on a mix of tactical discipline and clutch performances. Merino, in particular, has made a habit of delivering in big moments. His late winner against Belgium is the kind of goal that gets replayed for years. For soccer fans everywhere — whether they follow the sport casually or obsessively — this World Cup is delivering the drama and excitement the tournament is famous for.
Sources:
sbs.com.au, fifa.com, youtube.com