Spain has qualified for the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after securing a 2-1 victory over Belgium in a highly competitive quarter-final match that remained intense until the final minutes.
Spain made a strong start and took the lead in the 30th minute through Fabián Ruiz, who finished off a well-worked team move to give La Roja the advantage before halftime.
Belgium came back strongly in the second half and equalized through Charles De Ketelaere, whose goal brought his team back into the contest and set up an open and exciting battle between the two sides.
Just as many believed the match was headed for extra time, midfielder Mikel Merino once again emerged as Spain's hero by scoring the winning goal in the 88th minute, continuing his knack for delivering crucial goals in the knockout stages of the tournament.
With the victory, Spain has booked its place in the semi-finals, where it will face France in a blockbuster clash to determine who advances to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The match will feature some of the world's biggest stars, including Kylian Mbappé, against a Spanish side that has been in outstanding form under its coach.
