Spain edged Belgium 2-1 to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals, with substitute Mikel Merino pouncing on a late goalkeeping error at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Friday, July 10, 2026. Fabian Ruiz put La Roja ahead in the first half before Charles De Ketelaere levelled with Belgium’s only meaningful chance, ending Spain’s tournament-long run without conceding. With the tie balanced at 1-1, Merino turned in a rebound two minutes after coming off the bench to settle a tense quarter-final and send Spain through to face France.
Key Takeaways
- Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 to reach the 2026 World Cup semi-finals.
- Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring in the 30th minute after Dani Olmo’s shot was parried into his path.
- Charles De Ketelaere equalised with a 41st-minute header, the first goal Spain had conceded at the entire tournament.
- Substitute Mikel Merino grabbed the 88th-minute winner, capitalising on backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilling a Pau Cubarsi shot.
- Belgium was hit by injuries to captain Youri Tielemans in the warm-up and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in the second half.
The Spain vs Belgium World Cup 2026 matchup pitted the tournament’s most controlled side against a Belgium team set up to defend deep and strike on the break. Spain dominated the ball and the chances, but had to survive an early setback and a nervy finish before a late error handed them the decisive goal. Belgium’s brave, disciplined display ultimately fell just short of forcing extra time.
How did Spain edge past a resilient Belgium?
Spain controlled the opening exchanges with more than two-thirds of possession, patiently probing a compact Belgian block. The pressure told in the 30th minute: Dani Olmo’s effort was parried by Thibaut Courtois and the rebound fell to Fabian Ruiz, who fired home with the help of a deflection off Timothy Castagne to give La Roja a deserved lead.
Belgium’s response was swift and clinical. In the 41st minute, Castagne swung in a cross, and Charles De Ketelaere rose to head past Unai Simon, restoring parity with Belgium’s first real opening of the match. It was the first goal Spain had conceded in the entire World Cup 2026, ending a remarkable defensive run and sending the sides in level at half-time.
The second half saw Spain press for a winner while Belgium’s task grew harder. Thibaut Courtois departed injured on 71 minutes, replaced by Senne Lammens, and it was the backup goalkeeper who proved decisive. In the 88th minute, Pau Cubarsi struck from distance, Lammens spilled the shot, and Mikel Merino – on the pitch for barely two minutes – reacted quickest to turn home the winner and spark wild celebrations among the Spanish support.
What were the key statistics of the Spain vs Belgium World Cup 2026 match?
The numbers reflect how dominant Spain was in possession and chance creation, even if the scoreline stayed tight. La Roja controlled the ball, out-shot Belgium heavily and produced a far superior expected-goals figure, while Belgium made the most of their rare opportunities and defended in numbers for long spells.
| Statistic | Spain | Belgium |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 68% | 32% |
| Total shots | 19 | 6 |
| Shots on target | 8 | 2 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 1.96 | 0.34 |
| Saves | 1 | 6 |
| Fouls | 13 | 18 |
Who were the standout performers and starters for each side?
Mikel Merino was the match-winner once again, underlining his value as an impact substitute by scoring within two minutes of his introduction. Fabian Ruiz had earlier given Spain the lead and controlled the midfield alongside Rodri, while teenager Lamine Yamal was a constant threat down the right. For Belgium, Charles De Ketelaere took his goal superbly, and the defence frustrated Spain for long periods before the late lapse. The night, though, turned on the goalkeeping change: Courtois’s injury forced on Senne Lammens, whose spilled catch presented Merino with the winner.
Spain Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
- GK: Unai Simon
- Defenders: Pedro Porro, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella
- Midfielders: Rodri, Fabian Ruiz
- Attackers: Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Sergio Baena
- Forward: Mikel Oyarzabal
Belgium set up to contain Spain and hit them on the counter, a plan disrupted before kickoff when captain Youri Tielemans withdrew injured in the warm-up, and was replaced by Hans Vanaken. Kevin De Bruyne pulled the strings in the number 10 role and Jeremy Doku offered pace in transition, but Belgium spent long stretches without the ball and were forced into further changes as the game wore on, including the enforced substitution of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois on 71 minutes.
Belgium Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
- GK: Thibaut Courtois
- Defenders: Timothy Castagne, Brandon Mechele, Ngoy, Maxim De Cuyper
- Midfielders: Hans Vanaken, Nicolas Raskin
- Attackers: Leandro Trossard, Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku
- Forward: Charles De Ketelaere
What does this result mean for Spain and Belgium?
Victory carries Spain into the World Cup 2026 semi-finals and keeps alive their bid for a second world title. La Roja have combined defensive resilience with midfield control throughout the tournament, and while Belgium exposed a rare vulnerability at the back, Spain’s strength in depth – typified by Merino’s decisive intervention off the bench – once again made the difference.
For Belgium, the knockout format is unforgiving: the defeat ends their World Cup 2026 campaign, with no further fixtures to play. This so-called golden generation once more came up short at a major tournament, but a spirited quarter-final showing – and the injuries to Tielemans and Courtois at the worst possible moments – will leave a sense of what might have been.
What are Spain’s upcoming fixtures after this match?
Spain now advances to the World Cup 2026 semi-final, scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Dallas Stadium (the official FIFA tournament name for AT&T Stadium) in Arlington, Texas. Their opponents will be France, who reached the last four by beating Morocco. It sets up a heavyweight clash between two of the pre-tournament favourites for a place in the final.
Belgium has no further matches at the tournament following their quarter-final exit. Attention will turn to the future as the squad and federation assess the next chapter for the national team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Spain vs Belgium at the 2026 World Cup?
Spain beat Belgium 2-1 in the World Cup 2026 quarter-final at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on July 10, 2026. Substitute Mikel Merino scored the winner in the 88th minute to send Spain through to the semi-finals.
Who scored the goals in Spain vs Belgium?
Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring for Spain in the 30th minute and Charles De Ketelaere equalised for Belgium in the 41st. Mikel Merino grabbed the 88th-minute winner for Spain after coming off the bench, turning in a rebound following an error by Belgium’s backup goalkeeper.
Why did Belgium change goalkeepers during the match?
First-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois went off injured in the 71st minute and was replaced by Senne Lammens. It was Lammens who spilled Pau Cubarsi’s shot in the 88th minute, allowing Mikel Merino to score Spain’s winning goal.
Who will Spain play in the World Cup 2026 semi-final?
Spain will face France in the semi-final, scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium) in Arlington, Texas. France reached the last four by beating Morocco 2-0 in their quarter-final.
