Image@ BBC
Substitute Mikel Merino produced another decisive late goal as Spain edged Belgium 2-1 to secure a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic quarter-final in Los Angeles.
The Arsenal midfielder, who also struck a stoppage-time winner against Portugal in the Round of 16, made an instant impact once again by finding the net just 117 seconds after replacing Dani Olmo.
His match-winning effort arrived in the 88th minute, preventing the contest from going into extra time.
The breakthrough came after Belgium’s substitute goalkeeper, Senne Lammens, failed to gather a powerful long-range attempt from Pau Cubarsí.
Merino reacted quickest to the loose ball, firing the rebound into the top of the net from close range.
Spain had earlier taken control in the 30th minute through Fabián Ruiz.
The move began with Pedro Porro combining neatly with Lamine Yamal before delivering a cross into the area.
Olmo’s initial attempt was saved by Thibaut Courtois, but Ruiz calmly converted the rebound to hand the European champions the advantage.
Belgium restored parity before the interval when Charles De Ketelaere rose above his marker to head Timothy Castagne’s delivery into the net, ending Spain’s remarkable 649-minute streak without conceding a goal at the tournament.
Following the restart, Belgium appealed for a penalty after a cross struck Rodri’s arm inside the penalty area, but the referee waved play on.
Spain continued to press, with Mikel Oyarzabal forcing another important save from Courtois.
The turning point arrived in the 71st minute when Courtois appeared to suffer a muscle injury and was forced to leave the field in tears.
His replacement, Lammens, making only his third appearance for Belgium, was unable to prevent Spain’s decisive second goal after spilling Cubarsí’s effort.
The victory sends Luis de la Fuente’s side into the last four, where they will meet France in Dallas on 14 July for a place in the World Cup final.
Belgium, meanwhile, exit the competition after a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful campaign.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong