Spain booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals after defeating Belgium 2-1 in a tense quarterfinal, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring a dramatic late winner to keep La Roja’s title hopes alive.
The match began at a high tempo, with Spain dominating possession and creating the better chances. Their persistence paid off when Nico Williams opened the scoring in the first half, finishing off a flowing team move that showcased Spain’s trademark passing football.
Belgium refused to back down despite spending long periods without the ball. The Red Devils found an equaliser after the break through Romelu Lukaku, who capitalised on a defensive lapse to level the scores and breathe new life into the contest.
With extra time looming, Spain continued to push forward in search of a winner. Their breakthrough came in the closing stages when Merino rose highest to head home from a perfectly delivered cross, sending Spanish players and supporters into wild celebrations.
The victory highlights Spain’s growing confidence under coach Luis de la Fuente. Blending experienced players with exciting young talents such as Williams and Lamine Yamal, the team has impressed throughout the tournament with its attacking football and composure in pressure situations.
For Belgium, the defeat marks another disappointing end to a major tournament. Despite the experience of players like Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne, the team struggled to match Spain’s intensity and now exits the competition after a hard-fought quarterfinal battle.
Spain’s reward is a mouth-watering semifinal against France, who defeated Morocco in the other quarterfinal. The clash is expected to be one of the biggest matches of the tournament, with Spain’s emerging stars set to face a French side led by Kylian Mbappe.
The semifinal promises a fascinating contest between two European football powerhouses chasing a place in the World Cup final. Spain will take confidence from their resilience against Belgium, while France will rely on its pace and firepower to book a spot in the championship match. Fans around the world are now eagerly awaiting what could be one of the defining encounters of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
