Belgium’s World Cup Hope Fading to Spain

Belgium’s quarter‑final dream unraveled at the worst possible moment, suffering a heartbreaking elimination as Spain clinched a 2‑1 victory. The decisive blow came in the 88th minute, when Mikel Merino fired home a long‑range effort that Senne Lammens, brought on as a substitute for the injured Thibaut Courtois, could not hold. Before the match even began, the Red Devils were already without captain Youri Tielemans, who withdrew from the lineup due to injury according to The Mirror.

Early Deficit and Spain’s Dominance

Spain looked in control from the start, with Fabián Ruiz finding the net in the 30th minute after a cross from Pedro Porro deflected off Courtois and onto his foot. The breakthrough seemed to spark Spain’s attack, and Lamine Yamal had a chance to double the lead, hitting the post with a dazzling run. Despite their overwhelming presence, the Spanish defense managed to concede for the first time in the tournament when Charles De Ketelaere nodded in a late equalizer, ending a 649‑minute shutout streak.

The Second Half Twists

The match regained its intensity after the break, with Belgium pressing for an equalizer and Spain responding with quick counterattacks. In the dying minutes, a second injury forced a change when Courtois required medical attention and left the field, making way for Lammens, who was already showing strong form at Manchester United. The Spanish substitute Mikel Merino then found space inside the box and struck the winner, sending Belgium out of the World Cup.

What This Means for Spain

With seven minutes of extra time to spare, Belgium could not find a response as Spain secured a spot in the semifinals. The Spaniards will now face tournament favorites France at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on July 14 at 3 pm ET. The victory marks a significant step forward for Luis de la Fuente’s side, who must now prepare for a tougher test against the French. Spain’s journey continues, looking to add another chapter to an impressive campaign.

Spain’s progression sets up a showdown with France, a rematch of the 2022 final, and adds another layer of intrigue to the tournament’s later stages. The quarter‑final result will likely spark discussion about injury management, with Tielemans’ early loss and Courtois’ late exit shaping squad dynamics. Fans and analysts will examine how Spain capitalizes on their momentum as they head into Arlington for the semifinals.

The match also highlighted the depth of both squads, as substitutes like Lammens and Merino delivered decisive impacts on the field. As the World Cup continues, Belgium’s hopes now rest with other competitions, while Spain remains focused on lifting the trophy in Qatar 2030.