Mikel Merino's late rebound sealed a dramatic 2-1 World Cup quarter-final win for Spain over Belgium at SoFi Stadium, sending La Roja into a semi-final against France. Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring before Charles De Ketelaere equalised; the tie was decided when substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled a long-range effort and Merino pounced. The result compounds Belgium's injury woes and hands Spain a momentum boost ahead of a marquee clash with Kylian Mbappé and France.
Merino's late strike sends Spain through to World Cup semi-final
Spain edged Belgium 2-1 in a tense quarter-final at SoFi Stadium thanks to a stoppage-time rebound from substitute Mikel Merino. Fabian Ruiz had put Spain ahead, Charles De Ketelaere restored parity just before half-time, and the match looked set to go to extra time until a late goalkeeping error by substitute Senne Lammens presented Merino the chance to win it. Spain now face France in the semi-final.
Match flow: Spain dominance, Belgian resilience
Spain controlled large spells with their usual ball retention and probing midfield play, using quick combinations to unsettle Belgium's compact shape. Ruiz and Rodri linked early to set the tone; Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal was lively on the flank and Dani Olmo created the opening that led to Ruiz's strike. Spain's possession style kept Belgium pinned back for long phases.
Belgium responded with direct moments, principally through Jeremy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere. De Ketelaere's goal — a well-timed header from a Timothy Castagne cross after a Kevin De Bruyne through ball — was the first Spain had conceded in the tournament and injected real belief into the Red Devils.
Key incidents and turning points
Spain's opener: Pedro Porro combined with Lamine Yamal and cut back for Dani Olmo; his saved effort fell to Fabian Ruiz, who finished on the half-hour mark.
Belgium reply: On 41 minutes De Bruyne set up Castagne and De Ketelaere out-muscled Pau Cubarsí to head home, restoring parity just before the break.
Goalkeeper change: Thibaut Courtois exited injured after 70 minutes and was replaced by 24-year-old Senne Lammens, making a difficult World Cup debut. Lammens failed to hold a low strike from Pau Cubarsí in the 88th minute; Merino reacted fastest to convert the rebound.
Late drama: Romelu Lukaku's introduction opened spaces for Belgium, and there were nervy moments until Merino's winner. A late chance for Alexis Saelemaekers fell short as the final whistle confirmed Spain's victory.
What this result means
Spain advance with a statement: Winning in such dramatic fashion underlines the depth in Spain's squad and their ability to impose a collective style even when the game becomes chaotic. Merino's late intervention highlights the value of experienced, impact-oriented midfield options off the bench.
Belgium's problems sharpen: Injuries to key midfielders, including a warm-up hamstring issue to Youri Tielemans and the earlier long-term loss of Amadou Onana, left Rudi Garcia piecing together a midfield that struggled to match Spain's control. The forced goalkeeper switch and Lammens' costly mistake expose a thinness around the squad at critical positions.
Tactical takeaways
Spain's control through midfield rotation and short passing created overloads and limited Belgium's ability to sustain attacks. Lamine Yamal's movement provided width and tempo, while Ruiz's intelligent positioning offered a finishing outlet inside the box.
Belgium relied on transitional bursts and De Bruyne's vision to create chances. De Ketelaere's aerial threat validated Belgium's route-one moments, but sustained pressure was rare, and substitutions failed to turn possession into a decisive opportunity until late.
Looking ahead: Spain vs France and Belgium's crossroads
Spain now prepare for a heavyweight semi-final against France and Kylian Mbappé — a tactical challenge that will test whether La Roja can combine possession with clinical countermeasures against elite forward speed. Momentum and substitute potency give Spain a clear psychological edge.
For Belgium, the loss deepens questions about squad renewal and fixture management for an ageing core. Injury management, goalkeeper clarity and midfield reinforcements will be urgent priorities if this group is to remain competitive at major tournaments.
Bottom line
A compelling quarter-final delivered both spectacle and consequence: Spain progress on merit and nerve, while Belgium face uncomfortable decisions about personnel and direction.
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Merino's late goal is more than a moment — it is a small mirror of Spain's tournament identity: patient, precise and ready to exploit the smallest of openings.
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