Spain Advances to Semis After Late Merino Goal

Spain punched their ticket to the 2026 World Cup semi‑finals with a dramatic 88th‑minute strike from Mikel Merino. The winner came after Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois left the pitch with a thigh injury, handing the home side a chance to seize the moment. Merino reacted quickest to a spill from substitute Senne Lammens, turning a routine save into a historic winner.

Building Momentum After Early Setback

Luis de la Fuente’s side entered the match on a five‑game winning streak, yet they still carry the memory of a goalless draw with Cape Verde in their opener. A 30th‑minute goal from Fabian Ruiz gave them the lead, but Charles de Ketelaere equalised just before the break thanks to a cross from Timothy Castagne. Spain’s dominance in xG (2.10 to Belgium’s 0.37) ultimately paid off in the closing stages.

Marc Cucurella anchored the defence, keeping in‑form Arsenal winger Leandro Tossard quiet while completing every minute for the second time this tournament. The full‑back’s performance highlighted Spain’s resilience, as he recovered possession twice and won a duel in a match where Belgium rarely threatened. His consistency reinforces Spain’s reputation as a well‑organized unit that can grind out results.

Statistical Highlights

• Spain recorded 2.10 expected goals, more than five times Belgium’s 0.37.
• Only two outfield players have seen the full 90 minutes this campaign, with Cucurella among them.
• The win marks Spain’s fifth straight victory after the opening Cape Verde stalemate.

Up next, Spain will face France in Dallas on Tuesday, where a victory could set up a showdown against either England, Norway, Argentina, or Switzerland. The loser of the other quarter‑final will join Spain in the top half of the bracket, with a final scheduled for July 19th in New Jersey. The Spanish team will look to keep their unbeaten run alive as they chase a place on the world stage.

The late‑hour heroics of Merino remind fans that knockout football often rewards patience and opportunism. With a squad that has already shown depth—evidenced by the smooth substitution of Courtois by Lammens—Spain appears well‑prepared for the challenges ahead. Their ability to convert chances, even in the dying minutes, could prove decisive against the tournament’s premier talent.