Spain beats Belgium 2-1 to reach World Cup semifinals

Spain advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday, July 10, setting up a marquee matchup with France. The winning goal came from substitute Mikel Merino, who capitalized on a critical error by Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens late in the match.

Spain took control early, with Fabian Ruiz opening the scoring in the 30th minute. The European champions dominated possession and created several chances, with young star Lamine Yamal earning Player of the Match honors for his influential play. Belgium, however, found an equalizer just before halftime when Charles De Ketelaere headed in a cross from Timothy Castagne in the 41st minute. That goal ended Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon's remarkable run of 560 consecutive World Cup minutes without conceding, a new tournament record.

The decisive moment arrived in the second half after Belgian starting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with an apparent left quad injury. His replacement, Senne Lammens, who had not seen action previously in the tournament, spilled the ball directly to Merino. The midfielder calmly finished, repeating his heroics from the previous...