Mikel Merino scored an 87th-minute winner after a goalkeeping error by substitute Senne Lammens as Spain edged Belgium 2-1 to reach the World Cup semifinals
Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in a dramatic quarterfinal thriller at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday, with super-sub Mikel Merino scoring an 87th-minute winning goal following a late goalkeeping error to secure a semifinal spot against France.
In a surprise tactical change, Fabián Ruiz started over Pedri. The decision paid off in the 29th minute when Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro combined down the right flank to feed Dani Olmo. Thibaut Courtois saved Olmo’s initial blast, but Ruiz pounced on the rebound to slide it home.
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Spain had kept a World Cup-record five consecutive clean sheets coming into the match, but the defensive wall was finally breached in the 40th minute when Timothy Castagne floated a perfect cross into the box for Charles De Ketelaere to score a powerful glancing header, levelling the score at 1-1.
Belgium were devastated by injuries. Captain Youri Tielemans was forced out of the starting lineup after an injury during warmups, and star keeper Courtois went down injured in the 71st minute. With extra time looming, Pau Cubarsí unleashed a long-distance strike in the 87th minute. Substitute keeper Senne Lammens spilled the ball directly into the path of an onrushing Merino, who easily tapped in the winner.
Spain finished with 10 shots, four on target, while Belgium managed eight shots, three on target. Spanish possession stood at 56 percent compared to Belgium’s 44 percent.
Lamine Yamal made his sixth appearance of the tournament, setting the record for the most appearances by a player aged 18 or under at a World Cup. The win extends Spain’s unbeaten streak to 36 games across all international competitions.
According to a report by Accra Street Journal, Spain will face France in a blockbuster semifinal clash in Dallas on Tuesday.
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on July 11, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
