July 11, 2026 · 3 min read · By Rishabh Bhardwaj
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Spain beat Belgium 2-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final, with Mikel Merino scoring a late winner to send La Roja into a semi-final against France.
The match followed a familiar pattern for knockout football. Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring to give Spain control, but Belgium responded through Charles De Ketelaere to level it at 1-1 and force a nervy finish. Then Merino, the Athletic Club and Spain midfielder known for his ability to arrive late into attacking positions, delivered the decisive blow to settle it at 2-1.
Spain entered the tournament as one of the tournament's most cohesive units, built around the same core that won Euro 2024. Their passing-based system, anchored in midfield control, has been their consistent strength. Fabian Ruiz, the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, has been central to that structure, and his goal against Belgium added a direct attacking contribution to his usual deep-lying work.
Belgium, for their part, showed they could stay in the contest. De Ketelaere's equaliser, finishing a Belgian chance after Spain had taken the lead, was a reminder that this Belgian generation, despite being past the peak of their so-called golden generation, can still threaten at this level. The equaliser forced Spain to find another gear, and Merino provided exactly that.
Spain now face France in the semi-final, a match that carries significant weight beyond the scoreline. These are two of the most historically successful European football nations, and meeting at a World Cup semi-final stage raises the stakes considerably. France, with their depth in attack and physical midfield, present a very different challenge to Belgium's more technical approach.
For Spain, the key question is whether their midfield can dictate terms against France the way they have in earlier rounds. Fabian Ruiz and Merino give Spain two goal threats from central positions, which is unusual and difficult to defend against. If Spain can limit France's transition play and keep possession as they have done in previous matches, they carry a genuine chance of reaching the final.
For neutral observers, a Spain versus France semi-final is the kind of fixture the tournament promises but does not always deliver. Both teams play recognisable, structured football, which tends to produce competitive and watchable matches rather than chaotic ones.
Merino's late goal also continues a pattern from his international career of scoring important goals in big moments, including his extra-time header against Germany at Euro 2024. His ability to arrive in the box from midfield without being the nominal striker makes him difficult to account for in defensive setups.
Spain's path to a potential World Cup 2026 final now runs directly through their oldest and most familiar European rival. The semi-final will test their squad depth, tactical discipline, and the capacity of their key players to perform under the highest pressure the tournament offers.
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