Merino Breaks Belgian Hearts With 88th-Minute Winner as Spain Reach World Cup Semi-Finals

Spain are through to the World Cup 2026 semi-finals after one of the most dramatic quarter-final endings of the entire tournament. Mikel Merino pounced on a loose ball in the 88th minute — created when Pau Cubarsi's long-range drive was only half-stopped by Belgium substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens — to send La Roja into a frenzy and end Belgium's World Cup journey. The match had been perfectly balanced for much of the evening at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles. Fabián Ruiz gave Spain the lead on 30 minutes with a composed finish, only for Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere to level before the break with a precise header from a Kevin De Bruyne cross. The second half was a genuine end-to-end thriller, with both sides creating clear chances and neither able to find the decisive blow — until Merino's nerve held in the final moments. For young players watching at home, this match was a masterclass in never giving up. Lamine Yamal, just 18 years old, terrorised Belgium's experienced backline all night with his pace and trickery, forcing Thibaut Courtois into several key saves and curling one effort agonisingly wide. Manager Luis de la Fuente's decision to introduce Pedri and Ferran Torres at half-time was also a reminder of how squad depth and tactical flexibility can change a game. Spain now face France in Tuesday's semi-final in Dallas — an all-time European classic that promises to be the match of the tournament. For aspiring footballers everywhere, moments like Merino's late strike are a reminder that staying focused until the very last whistle can be the difference between going home and reaching the final four. Source: NBC Sports (https://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/live/spain-vs-belgium-live-updates-score-goals-highlights-stats-from-2026-fifa-world-cup)