Mikel Merino stars again as Spain edges Belgium 2-1 in the World Cup quarterfinals
Summary
Spain won 2-1 against Belgium in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals with a late goal by Mikel Merino, who scored two important goals as a substitute in consecutive matches. Spain will face France in the semifinals, advancing to this stage for the first time since they won the World Cup in 2010.Key Facts
- Mikel Merino scored the winning goal in the 88th minute after a rebound by Belgium’s backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
- Merino also scored a late goal in the previous match against Portugal to secure a 1-0 win.
- Spain will play France in the World Cup semifinals on Tuesday near Dallas.
- Belgium’s main goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois left the game in the 71st minute due to a thigh injury.
- Spain’s Fabián Ruiz scored the first goal in the 30th minute.
- Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere scored the equalizer in the 41st minute, the first goal Spain allowed in the tournament.
- Spain had been unbeaten since March 2023 with 37 matches, while Belgium’s 18-match unbeaten streak ended.
- Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simón had not conceded a goal in a World Cup-record 650 minutes before Belgium’s equalizer.
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