The second finalist for the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals has been decided. In a high voltage quarterfinal at the Los Angeles Stadium, Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 to book their place in the last four, where they will now face France. The contest was far from straightforward for Spain, and the result was only settled in the closing minutes of the match when Mikel Merino found the net to hand his side the lead.
Both sides played attacking football in the first half
The quarterfinal between Spain and Belgium had eyes fixed on it from the start, and both teams came out attacking in the opening half. Spain's Fabian Ruiz scored a brilliant goal in the 30th minute to put his side 1-0 ahead. The pressure on Belgium's players was clearly visible after that goal, since no team had managed to score against Spain in the tournament up to that point. But Belgium hit back through Charles De Ketelaere, who headed home in the 41st minute to level the score at 1-1. That goal also ended Spain goalkeeper Simon's run of 560 minutes without conceding, a record that had stood out through the tournament so far.
Merino's 88th minute goal turned the tie
The first half ended level at 1-1, and in the second half neither side could find a breakthrough until the 87th minute, leading many to believe the match was headed for a penalty shootout. Then, in the 88th minute, Spain's Mikel Merino got into position near the goal post and unleashed a powerful shot that beat the Belgian defence, putting Spain 2-1 ahead. That lead held until the final whistle, with Merino's late strike proving to be the decisive moment that sealed Spain's semifinal ticket.
Spain to face France next in the semifinal
With this quarterfinal win, Spain's World Cup run continues into the semifinals, where they will take on France. France were runners up in the tournament the last time around, which adds extra weight to this upcoming clash. The semifinal is set to be played at 12:30 am on July 15, as per Indian Standard Time. For Spain's supporters, this win carries added significance given how strong the team's defence had looked through the tournament, with Simon's long unbeaten run underlining that form. Despite a tough fight from Belgium, Spain showed the fighting spirit needed to get over the line in the closing minutes.
