Spain advanced to the FIFA World Cup semifinals after defeating Belgium 2-1 on Friday, July 10, 2026 [1].
The victory cements Spain's position as a primary contender for the title and sets up a high-stakes clash against France in the next round.
Substitute Mikel Merino secured the win by scoring in the 88th minute [1]. Merino capitalized on a mistake made by Senne Lammens, the replacement goalkeeper for Belgium [1, 3]. The goal broke the deadlock and ensured Spain's progression from the quarterfinals [2, 4].
Reports on the match location varied between Los Angeles and Miami [1, 5]. Despite the discrepancy in venue reporting, the result remains definitive. Spain's tactical depth proved decisive as the late substitution of Merino shifted the momentum of the game.
The final score of 2-1 [1] reflects a tightly contested match that remained undecided until the closing moments. Belgium's defensive struggle in the final minutes allowed Spain to seize control and secure their place in the final four.
Spain now prepares for the semifinal against France. This matchup represents one of the most anticipated pairings of the tournament, pitting two of Europe's most dominant footballing nations against each other on U.S. soil.
“Spain advanced to the FIFA World Cup semi-finals after defeating Belgium 2-1”
Spain's ability to secure a victory through a late substitute highlights a level of squad depth and composure that will be critical in the semi-finals. By overcoming Belgium in a narrow 2-1 result, Spain demonstrates a resilience that makes them a formidable opponent for France, while Belgium's exit marks the end of their campaign following a costly goalkeeping error.
