LOS ANGELES: Spain booked their place in the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after securing a 2-1 victory over Belgium in the tournament’s second quarter-final.
The match, played in Los Angeles, saw the former world champions overcome a resilient Belgian side with a late winning goal.
Spain opened the scoring in the 30th minute when Fabián found the back of the net, giving his team a deserved first-half lead.
Belgium responded before the break through Charles De Ketelaere, who equalized in the 41st minute to send the teams into halftime level at 1-1.
The goal was particularly significant as it marked the first goal conceded by Spain during the tournament.
With the match finely balanced, both sides created opportunities in the second half, but neither could find a breakthrough until the closing stages.
Spain finally regained the lead in the 88th minute, when Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal to make it 2-1, sealing Spain’s place in the last four.
Belgium pushed forward in search of another equalizer during the remaining minutes, but Spain’s defense held firm to preserve the narrow advantage until the final whistle.
The victory sends Spain into the World Cup semi-finals, where they will continue their quest for another FIFA World Cup title.
Spain’s disciplined performance, combined with Merino’s late winner, proved enough to eliminate Belgium and keep the former champions on course for further success in the tournament.
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