Spain beat Belgium 2-1 as Mikel Merino strikes late again

Mikel Merino needed only two minutes on the pitch to change Spain’s World Cup quarter-final. The substitute punished a late goalkeeping error in the 88th minute, sealing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles. Spain will now meet France in a heavyweight semi-final in Texas on Wednesday morning AEST.

What We Know So Far

Spain took the lead after 30 minutes through Fabián Ruiz. Dani Olmo’s effort was parried by Thibaut Courtois, and Ruiz reacted quickest to score from the rebound. The move reflected Spain’s early control, with Ruiz and Rodri dominating possession while Lamine Yamal repeatedly threatened from distance.

Belgium responded in the 41st minute. Kevin De Bruyne moved the ball wide to Timothy Castagne, whose cross was headed in by Charles De Ketelaere after he gained position ahead of Pau Cubarsí. The equaliser carried extra significance: it was the first goal Spain had conceded at the 2026 tournament and ended Unai Simón’s World Cup record run without conceding at about 650 minutes.

The match opened up after the break, with chances at both ends. Courtois denied Mikel Oyarzabal and had made four saves before an apparent leg injury forced him off in the 71st minute. He was replaced by 24-year-old Senne Lammens, who was making his World Cup debut in difficult circumstances.

Merino entered in the 86th minute and scored two minutes later. Cubarsí struck a low effort from distance, Lammens failed to hold it, and Merino drove the loose ball into the net. It was the Arsenal player’s second straight late winner from the bench after his stoppage-time goal secured Spain’s 1-0 round-of-16 victory over Portugal.

The result sent Spain to only their second World Cup semi-final and their first since winning the competition in 2010. It also extended their unbeaten run in competitive matches to 37, while ending Belgium’s 18-match unbeaten sequence.

The Response

I've done this again, and it's happened to me again, so it would seem that coincidence exists. If you're ready and you try, it can happen for you. I'm very, very pleased.

Merino said his preparation allowed him to anticipate a possible mistake from the goalkeeper. His two decisive substitute appearances have made him one of Spain’s most important figures in the knockout rounds despite starting both matches on the bench.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente described the coming semi-final against France as a “clash of giants”. Belgium coach Rudi Garcia pointed to the disruption caused by injuries. Captain Youri Tielemans withdrew during the warm-up with an apparent hamstring problem, Amadou Onana was already unavailable with a knee ligament injury, and Garcia said De Bruyne was also not fully fit.

Courtois offered immediate support to Lammens after the final whistle. The senior goalkeeper said he gave his replacement a hug and expected the younger player to become stronger after the mistake.

What It Means for You

Australian viewers now have a confirmed semi-final between Spain and France, two of the tournament’s leading sides. The match will be played near Dallas on Wednesday AEST, with a place in the July 19 final at stake.

The game will be available in Australia through SBS, SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand, which are carrying all 104 matches live and free. The semi-final also renews a recent major-tournament rivalry after Spain defeated France in the Euro 2024 semi-final.

For viewers following the tournament’s leading individual stories, Merino’s impact adds another tactical question. De la Fuente must decide whether to keep using him as a late substitute or reward two match-winning contributions with a starting place against France.

Coming Up

Spain will face France near Dallas on Wednesday AEST. France are attempting to reach a third consecutive World Cup final after winning in 2018 and losing the 2022 final to Argentina on penalties.

The winner will advance to the final on July 19. Spain will also monitor the physical condition of its squad after a demanding quarter-final, while Belgium’s attention will turn to the injuries suffered by Courtois and Tielemans.

At a Glance

• Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in Los Angeles.
• Fabián Ruiz scored first before Charles De Ketelaere equalised.
• Mikel Merino came on in the 86th minute and scored in the 88th.
• Unai Simón’s World Cup clean-sheet run ended at about 650 minutes.
• Spain reached their first World Cup semi-final since 2010.
• Spain will play France on Wednesday morning AEST.