Spain booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium, with Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino scoring a late winner to crush the Red Devils’ hopes. The entertaining quarter-final showcased Spain’s dominance in possession, Belgium’s resilience, and a heartbreaking ending that sent La Roja into a mouthwatering last-four showdown against France.
For football fans in Kenya, the match was another reminder of why Spain remains one of the tournament favorites. Their blend of youthful brilliance and experienced leadership continues to make them one of the most exciting teams at the World Cup.
Spain Continue Their Winning Tradition Against Belgium
Spain extended their remarkable dominance over Belgium by recording a sixth consecutive victory in the fixture. Luis de la Fuente’s side also reached their first FIFA World Cup semi-final since winning the tournament in South Africa in 2010.
Belgium arrived full of confidence after knocking out tournament co-hosts the United States in the Round of 16, but facing one of Europe’s most technically gifted teams proved a much tougher challenge.
From the opening whistle, Spain controlled possession and dictated the tempo with their trademark passing football.
Rodri tested the Belgian defense early, while teenage sensation Lamine Yamal looked dangerous every time he had the ball.
Fabián Ruiz Opens the Scoring
Spain’s pressure finally paid off in the 30th minute.
Pedro Porro delivered an inviting cross that found Dani Olmo inside the penalty area. Although Thibaut Courtois brilliantly saved Olmo’s first effort, Fabián Ruiz reacted quickest to bury the rebound and score his first-ever FIFA World Cup goal.
The goal reflected Spain’s dominance and appeared to put them firmly in control.
At that stage, Belgium struggled to create meaningful opportunities and spent long periods chasing the ball.
Belgium Hit Back Before Half-Time
Despite Spain’s superiority, Belgium found an equalizer against the run of play.
Timothy Castagne produced an excellent delivery into the penalty area, where Charles De Ketelaere rose highest to power home a superb header.
It was the first goal Spain had conceded during the tournament, proving that Belgium could still punish even the smallest defensive lapse.
The equalizer breathed fresh life into the contest heading into the second half.
Spain: Turn Up the Pressure
The second half belonged almost entirely to Spain.
Luis de la Fuente encouraged his players to keep moving the ball quickly while stretching Belgium across the pitch.
Lamine Yamal became the game’s biggest attacking threat.
The Barcelona winger repeatedly troubled Belgium’s defense with clever dribbling, dangerous crosses and accurate shots.
Courtois once again demonstrated why he remains one of the world’s elite goalkeepers, making several outstanding saves to frustrate Spain.
Belgium nearly completed the turnaround when Maxim De Cuyper struck the side-netting after a flowing counterattack involving Kevin De Bruyne and Jérémy Doku.
It was one of the few occasions Spain looked vulnerable.
Injury Blow Changes the Match
The turning point came late in the second half.
Belgium suffered a massive setback when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off through injury after producing another outstanding performance.
His replacement, Senne Lammens, was immediately thrown into one of the biggest matches of his career.
Although Lammens made important saves, he could not prevent Spain from finding the decisive breakthrough.
Mikel Merino Delivers Another Big-Match Moment
With just two minutes remaining, Spain finally found the winning goal.
Young defender Pau Cubarsà unleashed a powerful shot that Lammens parried.
Unfortunately for Belgium, the rebound fell kindly to Mikel Merino, who reacted quickest inside the six-yard box to tap home the winner.
The Arsenal midfielder has developed a reputation for scoring important goals, and this latest strike ensured Spain progressed to another World Cup semi-final.
His late celebration sparked wild scenes among Spanish supporters and heartbreak for Belgium.
Spain Set Up Huge Semi-Final Against France
Spain’s victory now sets up one of the biggest fixtures of the tournament.
They will meet France in what promises to be a blockbuster World Cup semi-final featuring world-class talent on both sides.
Spain enters the contest full of confidence after displaying composure, tactical discipline and attacking quality throughout the tournament.
Luis de la Fuente also achieved a remarkable personal milestone by becoming only the third European national team coach to win each of his first seven knockout matches at a major international tournament.
Belgium’s Golden Generation Nears the End
For Belgium, the defeat may mark the closing chapter of one of the country’s finest generations in football.
Veterans such as Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois have given everything for their nation over the years, but another World Cup campaign has ended without lifting the trophy.
The Red Devils also saw their impressive 18-match unbeaten run come to an end in the most painful fashion possible.
Despite the disappointment, Belgium showed enough quality throughout the tournament to remain competitive on the international stage.
Key Match Statistics
- Result: Spain 2-1 Belgium
- Goals:
- Fabián Ruiz (30′)
- Charles De Ketelaere (41′)
- Mikel Merino (88′)
- Player of the Match: Mikel Merino
- Venue: 2026 FIFA World Cup Quarter-final
- Next Match: Spain vs France (Semi-final)
Back Every Big World Cup Match with Bangbet Kenya
The FIFA World Cup knockout stage continues to deliver unforgettable moments, and there is no better place for Kenyan football fans to enjoy every match than Bangbet. From competitive football odds and live betting markets to instant payouts, Bangbet offers an exciting football experience throughout the tournament. Whether you’re backing Spain or France, or predicting the next dramatic upset, Bangbet offers a range of betting options for passionate football supporters. Register today on Bangbet and make every World Cup fixture even more thrilling.
Conclusion
Spain once again proved why they are among the favorites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While Belgium battled courageously, Luis de la Fuente’s side showed greater control, creativity and determination when it mattered most.
With Mikel Merino delivering another decisive goal and young stars like Lamine Yamal continuing to shine, Spain now head into a blockbuster semi-final against France full of confidence.
If they maintain this level of performance, La Roja could be just two victories away from lifting their second FIFA World Cup trophy.
