Spain left it late once again at World Cup 2026 but are through to the semi-finals after beating Belgium 2-1 in Los Angeles. Super sub Mikel Merino was the hero yet again for La Roja with an 88th minute winner to keep Luis de la Fuente’s side in the hunt for glory.
The Spain boss raised a few eyebrows with his team selection, dropping Pedri to the bench and starting Fabian Ruiz in the Barcelona midfielder’s place.
It looked to be an inspired choice by the Spain boss as Ruiz put Spain in front on the half
hour mark. Pedro Porro played a one-two with Lamine Yamal and raced down the right, sending in a cross for Dani Olmo. The Barcelona star’s shot was saved by Thibaut Courtois but Ruiz was quickest to react and slotted home his first ever World Cup goal on the rebound.
Yamal then went close with a free-kick that curled around the wall but was pushed clear by a diving Courtois and then had sight of goal again five minutes before half-time. The teenager jinked past his defender and let fly with a shot that flew just wide of the near post.
The action then switched to the other end and Spain conceded for the first time at World Cup 2026. Kevin De Bruyne crossed in from the right and Charles De Ketelaere stooped to head past Unai Simon for 1-1.
The start of the second half saw Belgium have a good chance through Maxim De Cuyper before De la Fuente threw on Pedri and Ferran Torres. Belgium responded by sending on Romelu Lukaku, Axel Witsel and Joaquin Seys.
The action started to ramp up with Yamal having chances and Ferran heading over the bar. The drama continued as Courtois was forced off with an injury and left the game in tears to be replaced by Senne Lammens.
Both sides had sights of goal but it was another substitute – Mikel Merino – who won it late on. Cubarsi’s shot from range was only parried by Lammens, and Merino was on hand to smash it home from close range to send Spain into the semi-finals and a date with France.
