Mikel Merino’s late winner sends Spain into World Cup semifinals vs France

Belgium lose goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to injury before substitute Mikel Merino strikes late to send Spain into the World Cup semi-finals, where France await.

Any side looking to be successful need match-winners throughout the team - and Spain are proving they have them as Mikel Merino delivered in his role as super sub once again to send the European champions into the World Cup semi-finals. The Arsenal midfielder stepped off the bench for the second successive game to score the decisive goal - this time securing a 2-1 victory over Belgium. There are just two examples of a player scoring the winning goal for Spain in the knockout stages of the World Cup as a substitute: Merino vs Portugal in the last 16 and Merino vs Belgium.

Paris Saint Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz, who started ahead of Pedri, gave la Roja the lead in the 30th minute, capitalizing on a rebound off a Thibaud Courtois save. Belgium though brought it back level 11 minute later with a powerful De Ketelaere header, therefore ending Spain's remarkable run of 649 minutes without conceding at a World Cup. The second half was tough for Belgium; especially after their star keeper Thibaud Courtois broke down in tears when he suffered what seemed to be a thigh injury and was taken off the pitch in the 77th minute. Manchester United goalie Senne Lammens was given those big gloves to fill. Unfortunately for him he failed to keep a hold of a Spanish shot, and Mikel Merino pounced on the rebound to make it two-one for Spain. Mikel Merino once again coming in clutch, scoring the winner 100 seconds after coming on to the pitch from the bench much like during the match against Portugal. La Roja will therefore be playing France, in only their second ever World Cup semi final, the last one was in 2010, and they went on to lift the trophy.

Fabian Ruiz had given Spain the lead after 30 minutes, but Belgium rallied before the interval and breached their opponents’ normally rock-solid defence through the in-form Charles De Ketelaere.

World Cup 2026 Spain beat Belgium 2-1 in Los Angeles as Mikel Merino struck late again to set up a mouth-watering semi-final against France. The post World Cup 2026 Spain Beat Belgium 2-1 to Reach the Semi-Finals appeared first on The Rio Times.

Mikel Merino scored another decisive late goal for Spain against Belgium. This victory propelled La Roja into the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals. Merino's impactful substitute appearances have now made World Cup history. Spain will face France in their next crucial tournament match. The team's unbeaten run in regular time now extends significantly.