Spain beat Belgium 2-1 to reach World Cup semifinals, set up rematch with France

Spain sank Belgium with Mikel Merino's winning goal for the second consecutive match, advancing to the 2026 North America World Cup semifinals.

Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 on Saturday at Los Angeles Stadium in California, with Merino's goal in the 88th minute proving the difference.

The result sets up a semifinal rematch between Spain and France, who met at the same stage at Euro 2024. Spain won that encounter two years ago and went on to defeat England in the final, claiming the European Championship title.

Spain dominated the opening exchanges and took the lead in the 30th minute through Fabian Ruiz. Right back Pedro Porro drove deep down the flank and cut the ball back; Dani Olmo struck it with his right foot, the goalkeeper parried, and Ruiz, charging in at the near post, fired the rebound into the net with his right foot.

Belgium hit back quickly. In the 41st minute, Timothy Castagne delivered a cross from the right, and Charles De Ketelaere, lurking at the near post, redirected it with a glancing header to level the score.

Spain pressed harder in the second half, and defender Pau Cubarsí unleashed a low, powerful shot from distance in the 88th minute. The goalkeeper could only parry it, and Merino, on the pitch just two minutes after coming on as a substitute, swept the loose ball into the net with his left foot.

Merino also scored the winner as a substitute in the round-of-16 victory over Portugal, netting decisive goals in consecutive games off the bench and cementing his reputation as an elite impact player.

Spain and France meet in the semifinal at 4 a.m. Wednesday at Dallas Stadium.