Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 [1] in the World Cup quarter-final on July 10, 2026 [2], securing a place in the semifinals.

The victory positions Spain to face France in the next round, marking a critical step toward the tournament championship in the U.S.

The match took place in Los Angeles [3], where Spain utilized a disciplined attack to overcome the Belgian side. Fabián Ruiz scored one of the goals for Spain, and Mikel Merino provided a late strike to seal the result [4].

Belgium's campaign was hampered by significant personnel losses. Captain Youri Tielemans sustained an injury during the warm-up before kickoff [5]. Later in the match, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was also injured [4], further destabilizing the Belgian defense.

Spain's ability to maintain pressure throughout the game allowed them to capitalize on these disruptions. The 2-1 victory [1] ensures that Spain remains one of the primary contenders for the title as they prepare for the high-stakes clash against France.

Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in the World Cup quarter-final

Spain's progression to the semifinals signifies their return as a dominant force in international football. By overcoming a Belgian team depleted by injuries to key players like Tielemans and Courtois, Spain has demonstrated both tactical superiority and the ability to exploit opponent instability. The upcoming match against France will be a definitive test of their championship credentials.