Spain advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals after defeating Belgium in a quarterfinal match on July 10 [1, 2].
The victory places Spain in a high-stakes matchup against France, one of the tournament's strongest contenders, as both teams vie for a spot in the final.
Spain secured the win late in the game. Mikel Merino scored in the 88th minute [1] on a rebound yielded by backup Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens, CBC Sports said [1]. The late goal ensured Spain's progression and ended Belgium's run in the tournament.
The upcoming semifinal is scheduled for July 14 [2, 3]. The match will kick off at 3 p.m. ET [3] or 9 p.m. CET [4].
Officials have designated AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, as the venue for the clash [4, 5]. The match will bring two of Europe's most successful football nations together in the U.S. for a deciding game.
While the date is confirmed for July 14, reports on the specific day of the week have varied between Tuesday and Thursday [2]. Regardless of the day, the match remains the primary focus for fans as the tournament enters its final stages.
“Spain advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals after defeating Belgium”
Spain's progression to the semifinals sets up a tactical battle between two European powerhouses. By defeating Belgium in the quarterfinals, Spain has demonstrated an ability to maintain composure under pressure, while France enters the match as a formidable opponent. The result of this semifinal will determine which nation moves one step closer to the 2026 world title.
