Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 on July 10, 2026 [1, 2] to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals [1, 2, 3].

The victory marks a significant return to the tournament's final stages for the Spanish national team, ending a long drought in deep World Cup runs.

Spain secured the win in a quarter-final match that remained competitive until the closing moments [1, 3]. Fabian Ruiz scored for Spain [4], providing the offensive momentum needed to challenge the Belgian defense. The match was decided in the 88th minute when Mikel Merino scored to seal the 2-1 result [5].

This performance earns Spain its first semi-final appearance since 2010 [3]. Following the final whistle, crowds gathered in the Madrid fan zone to celebrate the team's progression in the tournament [2].

Spain is now scheduled to face France in the semi-finals on July 14, 2026 [6]. The match will determine which team advances to the championship game of the 2026 tournament.

The team's tactical approach in the quarter-final emphasized late-game endurance, as evidenced by the timing of the winning goal. The victory allows Spain to regain its status as a primary contender on the global stage after years of falling short of the final four.

“Spain beat Belgium 2-1 to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals”

Spain's advancement to the semi-finals signals a return to the elite tier of international football, mirroring the success of their 2010 championship campaign. By overcoming Belgium, Spain has proven its ability to perform under high-pressure knockout conditions, setting up a high-stakes clash with France that will test if this generation can reclaim a world title.