Spain’s Mikel Merino broke Belgian hearts with a last-gasp goal in the 88th minute, sending Spain to the World Cup semifinals in a dramatic 2-1 thriller on July 10, 2026.
Story Highlights
- Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal on July 10 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
- Fabian Ruiz scored first for Spain, Belgium equalized, then substitute Mikel Merino scored the winner in the 88th minute.
- Spain advances to the semifinals, where they will face France.
- The match was a tense, back-and-forth contest — not the defensive shutout some early reports suggested.
Merino Delivers a Moment Spain Will Never Forget
Spain came into the quarterfinal as favorites, but Belgium made them work for every inch. Fabian Ruiz put Spain ahead early, giving the Spanish side something to defend. Belgium hit back and leveled the score, turning what looked like a comfortable Spain win into a nail-biting battle. With the clock winding down and extra time looming, substitute Mikel Merino stepped up and buried the winner in the 88th minute.
Merino’s late heroics were not a surprise to those who watched Spain’s World Cup run closely. The midfielder has made a habit of delivering in big moments. Coming off the bench with fresh legs, he found space in the box and finished cleanly. The goal sent Spanish fans into a frenzy and left Belgium stunned. It was the kind of moment that defines a tournament — and a player’s legacy.
Belgium Pushed Spain to the Limit
This was no easy win. Belgium, led by veteran midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, refused to go quietly. De Bruyne orchestrated Belgium’s equalizing goal, reminding the world why he remains one of the best players on the planet. The match swung back and forth, with both teams creating chances. Spain’s defense was tested and broken at least once — making the final scoreline a fair reflection of a fiercely competitive game, not a one-sided affair.
Belgium came into this tournament with a chip on their shoulder after knocking out the United States, earning the nickname “giant killers” among fans. They brought that same fearless attitude against Spain. For long stretches, Belgium looked capable of advancing. The difference came down to one moment — Merino’s 88th-minute strike — and Spain’s ability to hold on when it mattered most.
Spain Sets Up a Blockbuster Semifinal Against France
With the win secured, Spain now faces France in the World Cup semifinals. It is a matchup that needs no hype — two of Europe’s biggest soccer powers, both with deep rosters and a hunger to win the whole thing. Spain’s ability to grind out results, even when not at their best, makes them a serious contender. France will bring their own firepower, setting the stage for what could be the match of the tournament.
Spain vs Belgium FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final Result | Spain 2-1 Belgium
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— Kartik Sharma (@Livescoredesk) July 11, 2026
For American sports fans watching the 2026 World Cup on home soil, this tournament has already delivered unforgettable moments. Matches played at iconic U.S. venues like SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles have drawn massive crowds and global attention. Spain versus Belgium added another chapter to what is shaping up to be a historic World Cup. The semifinals cannot come soon enough.
Sources:
sbs.com.au, fifa.com, youtube.com