Spain vs. Belgium (2-1) Recap: Merino Late Heroics Send La Roja to World Cup Semifinals!

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Spain vs. Belgium (2-1) Recap

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 Spain secured a spot in the World Cup semifinals after a nail-biting 2-1 victory over Belgium at the Los Angeles Stadium on Friday, July 10, 2026. Mikel Merino repeated his bench heroics, finding the back of the net in the dying minutes of normal time to shatter Belgian hearts.

Missed yesterday's dramatic European heavyweight collision? Here is your complete match recap.

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📊 Match Overview & Stats

• Final Score: Spain 2 - 1 Belgium
• Goals: Fabián Ruiz (30'), Charles De Ketelaere (41') | Mikel Merino (88')
• Venue: Los Angeles Stadium (Inglewood, California)
• Key Stat: Spain extended their historic unbeaten streak to 36 consecutive matches.

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⏱️ First Half: Trading Blows in Los Angeles

Spain started the game with their signature heavy-possession style, breaking the deadlock in the 30th minute. Fabián Ruiz reacted fastest to a rebound, burying a low shot to put La Roja up 1-0.

The lead was short-lived as Belgium's attack ignited right before the interval. In the 41st minute, Timothy Castagne whipped a pinpoint cross onto the head of Charles De Ketelaere, who powered home the equalizer past Unai Simón. It was the first goal Spain conceded the entire tournament, breaking their 649-minute defensive shutout streak.

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⚡ Second Half: Injury Drama and Merino's Magic

The second half saw a physical, tactical chess match that took a turn for the worse for Belgium in the 71st minute. Legendary goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois suffered a hip injury making a save and left the pitch in tears, replaced by backup keeper Senne Lammens.

As the game looked destined for extra time, Spain’s manager Luis de la Fuente brought on Mikel Merino in the 86th minute. Just two minutes later, Pau Cubarsí launched a long-range effort that Lammens spilled right into Merino's path. The midfielder pounced instantly, blasting the loose ball into the roof of the net to seal a 2-1 victory.

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🔮 What’s Next? A Semifinal Clash of Titans

With the win, Spain is heading to only their second-ever World Cup semifinal appearance. They are on a direct collision course with tournament favorites France.

The blockbuster Spain vs. France semifinal will kick off in Dallas on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

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What do you think? Can Spain's tactical engine shut down Kylian Mbappé and France in the semifinals? Leave your predictions below!