Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals after defeating Belgium 2-1 in an entertaining quarter-final at Los Angeles Stadium.
Luis de la Fuente’s side secured victory through goals from Fabian Ruiz and substitute Mikel Merino, setting up a mouth-watering last-four clash with France at Dallas Stadium.
Ruiz, who was handed a surprise start ahead of Pedri, gave Spain the lead after reacting quickest to convert the rebound when Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois parried Dani Olmo’s effort.
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Spain continued to threaten, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal producing another dazzling display, narrowly missing the target after cutting inside from the right.
Belgium, however, responded just before half-time. Captain Kevin De Bruyne split the Spanish defence with a perfectly weighted pass to Timothy Castagne, whose pinpoint cross was expertly headed into the net by Charles De Ketelaere to level the score.
The decisive moment came in the 71st minute when Courtois was forced off with an injury, handing Senne Lammens an unexpected appearance in goal.
The substitute goalkeeper was unable to hold a powerful long-range strike from Pau CubarsÃ, allowing Mikel Merino, who had only recently entered the match, to pounce on the rebound and fire Spain back in front.
Belgium pushed for a late equaliser, but Spain remained composed to see out the victory and continue their impressive World Cup campaign.
The result sends Spain into a highly anticipated semi-final showdown with France in what promises to be one of the standout matches of the tournament.