Spain advanced into the FIFA World Cup semifinals for the first time in 16 years after clinching a 2-1 victory over Belgium at the Los Angeles Stadium.
Mikel Merino became the hero for Spain, netting the decisive goal in the final minutes of regular time. In the 88th minute, Belgian goalkeeper failed to cleanly secure a powerful strike from Pau Cubarsí, allowing Merino to pounce on the loose ball and fire it into the back of the net.
Earlier in the match, Fabián Ruiz had given Spain the upper hand with an opening goal in the 30th minute. However, Belgium quickly responded just 11 minutes later when Charles De Ketelaere scored a brilliant header to level the score before halftime.
Spain dominated the pitch for most of the game, controlling possession and launching 16 shots compared to Belgium’s five. This victory marks a massive redemption arc for the 2010 champions, who suffered disappointing exits in the group stage in 2014 and the Round of 16 in both 2018 and 2022.
Making their 17th World Cup appearance, this is only the third time Spain have ever reached the semifinals, following their fourth-place finish in 1950 and their historic championship run in 2010.
With this defeat, Belgium's World Cup journey comes to an end in the quarterfinals. The Red Devils previously reached the quarterfinals in 2014, secured a third-place finish in 2018, and endured a disappointing group-stage exit in 2022.
Spain will now face France in a highly anticipated semifinal showdown.
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