Lorraine Williamson
Spain are through to the World Cup semi-finals after Mikel Merino struck late once again to secure a tense 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles.
Fabián Ruiz gave Spain the lead after half an hour, but then Charles De Ketelaere got the equaliser shortly before the end of the first half, scoring the first goal La Roja had conceded during the tournament.
The quarter-final appeared to be heading towards extra time until Merino intervened in the 88th minute, reacting quickest after Belgium substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold Pau Cubarsí’s low effort.
It was the Arsenal midfielder’s second decisive contribution in successive knockout matches, following his winning goal against Portugal in the last 16.
Merino provides another late escape
Spain controlled long periods of the match but found Belgium far more difficult to break down than many of their earlier opponents.
Fabián opened the scoring in the 30th minute, finishing a move that rewarded Spain’s patient possession and increasing pressure around the Belgian penalty area.
Belgium responded before half-time through De Ketelaere, whose equaliser ensured Spain would need to find a way through a disciplined and increasingly confident opponent.
Thibaut Courtois made several important saves before leaving the match with a leg problem during the second half. His replacement, Lammens, was unable to secure Cubarsí’s shot late in the game, allowing Merino to send the loose ball into the net.
The goal sent Spain into the last four of a World Cup for only the second time in the country’s history. The previous appearance ended with Spain lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.
Spain’s unbeaten competitive run continues
The result extended Spain’s unbeaten sequence in competitive internationals to 37 matches, stretching back to March 2023.
Luis de la Fuente’s team have now eliminated Portugal and Belgium in consecutive knockout rounds, both by a single goal and both following late interventions from Merino.
Spain had progressed through much of the tournament without conceding, but Belgium offered a warning of the pressure likely to come in the semi-final.
De la Fuente said after the match that he had complete confidence in his players and believed Spain were capable of beating any team still involved in the competition.
France await Tuesday’s semi-final
Spain will now face France at the Dallas Stadium on Tuesday 14 July, with kick-off scheduled for 9.00 pm in mainland Spain.
France reached the semi-finals after beating Morocco 2-0 and will present Spain with their most demanding test of the tournament so far. The meeting also renews a developing rivalry between two of Europe’s strongest international sides. Spain beat France 2-1 in the Euro 2024 semi-final before winning a dramatic Nations League encounter 5-4 in 2025.
Spain will again look to control possession, but France’s pace, physical strength and attacking depth are likely to test a defence that Belgium exposed at several moments in Los Angeles.
England face Haaland and Norway tonight
The other side of the World Cup draw remains unresolved, with England facing Norway in Miami tonight, Saturday 11 July.
The quarter-final begins at 11.00 pm in mainland Spain, which is 10.00 pm in the UK, and will determine who advances to face either Argentina or Switzerland in Wednesday’s second semi-final.
England reached the last eight after a 3-2 victory over Mexico, while Norway produced one of the tournament’s biggest surprises by defeating Brazil 2-1.
Much of the attention will fall on Norway striker Erling Haaland, who has emerged as one of the leading scorers of the World Cup and has played a central role in his country’s unexpected progress.
Haaland scored twice against Brazil and had already been Norway’s key attacking figure during their earlier knockout victory over the Ivory Coast. His combination of strength, pace and finishing makes him the clearest threat to an England defence that has not looked entirely secure during the tournament.
Kane and Haaland take centre stage
The match in Miami also brings together two of Europe’s most prolific strikers, with Harry Kane leading England’s attack against a Norway side built around Haaland.
England remain among the favourites to win the competition, but Norway’s victories over Ivory Coast and Brazil have demonstrated that they are no longer simply outsiders enjoying an unexpected run.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has urged his players to be courageous and avoid leaving the tournament with regrets. His side will need to limit the supply to Haaland while also finding a way through a Norwegian team that has become increasingly confident with each round.
The winners will face Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta on Wednesday, 15 July.
For Spain, attention now turns fully towards France and the chance to reach a second World Cup final.
La Roja have rarely been at their fluent best during the knockout rounds, but their ability to remain composed and find decisive late goals has carried them into the final four. Against France, they will need to produce their strongest performance yet.