Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 [1] in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final to advance to the semi-finals.
The victory maintains Spain's momentum in the tournament and sets up a high-stakes clash with France for a spot in the final.
The match took place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California [2]. The contest remained tense until the closing moments when substitute Mikel Merino provided the decisive blow. Merino scored the winning goal in the 88th minute [3], just two minutes after entering the match as a substitute [4].
Belgium struggled to maintain their defensive shape in the final minutes of the game. The loss ends their campaign in the tournament and marks a disappointing exit for the squad. The Belgian side also faced early adversity before the opening whistle, as captain Youri Tielemans sustained an injury during the pre-match warm-up [5].
Spain's ability to utilize their bench proved critical in the closing stages of the match. By securing the 2-1 [1] victory, La Roja continues their pursuit of the trophy. The team now prepares for the semi-final matchup against France [2].
The result at SoFi Stadium reinforces Spain's reputation for tactical flexibility and late-game resilience. While Belgium fought to keep the score level, the late surge by Spain proved too much to overcome in the final minutes of play.
“Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final”
Spain's advancement to the semi-finals establishes them as a primary contender for the 2026 title. The ability to secure a victory through a tactical substitution suggests a deep roster capable of adapting to late-game fatigue. Facing France in the next round creates a marquee European matchup that will likely determine the tournament's favorite heading into the final.
