Mikel Merino once again came off the bench to keep Spains World Cup dream alive as he pounced on a Senne Lammens error to a seal a 2-1 quarter-final win over Belgium. The European champions were heavy favourites in Los Angeles but were made to work hard by Rudi Garcias side, who showed impressive resilience to breach Spains goal for the first time in the tournament.Fabian Ruiz put Spain ahead on the half-hour mark, only for Charles De Ketelaere head Belgium level 11 minutes later.An absorbing tie appeared set for extra time, but Spain were gifted a spot in a blockbuster semi-final with France two minutes from the end of normal time.Lammens, who replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois in the 71st minute, failed to turn a long-range effort from Pau Cubarsi away from danger, and Merino was quickest to react.The Arsenal man was the match-winner in the last-16 victory over Portugal and he made no mistake in tucking home the rebound to send Spain to Dallas, where tournament favourites France await in a mouthwatering clash.More to follow Topics 2026 FIFA World Cup Belgium National Football Team Spain National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Argentina v Switzerland: World Cup 2026 line-ups, stats and preview as Lionel Messi targets semi finals, TV channel, online stream and prediction Ben Miller 10th July, 2026 WATCH: Spain concede first 2026 World Cup goal as De Ketelaere cancels out Ruiz opener Nicholas McGee 10th July, 2026 LIVE Spain v Belgium: World Cup 2026 text commentary, updates, goals and stats as La Roja concede for first time after Ruiz opener Jon Fisher 10th July, 2026 World Cup 2026 live: Spain vs Belgium confirmed teams and full line ups as Fabian Ruiz, Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne start, TV channel, live online stream and stats Ben Miller 10th July, 2026 Portugal appoint Martinez replacement following World Cup disappointment Nicholas McGee 10th July, 2026 Spain v Belgium: Predicted line-ups, stats and where to watch as European champions eye place in World Cup semi-finals Jon Fisher 10th July, 2026
