Merino's Late Heroics Send Spain Past Injury-Hit Belgium Into World Cup Semifinal

Spain reached the World Cup semifinal for the first time since winning the tournament in 2010, beating a Belgium side missing captain Youri Tielemans and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to injury 2-1, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring the winner in the 88th minute.

Belgium began the brighter side despite the absence of Tielemans, who was ruled out with an injury suffered in the warmup, with Maxim De Cuyper and Kevin De Bruyne both going close early on. Spain gradually asserted control and took the lead in the 30th minute when Fabián Ruiz turned home the rebound after Courtois failed to hold an initial effort. Belgium responded 11 minutes later, with Charles De Ketelaere equalizing to make it 1-1 at the break.

Courtois was forced off with an apparent injury in the 73rd minute, replaced by Senne Lammens. The switch proved costly: in the 88th minute, Lammens spilled a shot from Pau Cubarsí directly into the path of substitute Mikel Merino, who tapped home the rebound to put Spain back in front. Belgium pushed for a late equalizer but could not find a way through, and Spain held on for the win.

By the Numbers

Spain out-shot Belgium 17-5, with an 8-2 advantage in shots on target, and controlled 61% of possession to Belgium's 30%. Spain extended their unbeaten run in regular time to 36 matches, a streak dating to March 2024. It is the third World Cup meeting between these two nations, with Spain winning for the first time after previous results went Belgium's way.

What's Next

Spain advance to face France in the semifinal on Tuesday, July 14, in Dallas — a rematch of sorts between two of the tournament's most in-form sides. For Belgium, the tournament ends in the quarterfinals despite a spirited effort that overcame significant injury setbacks.