Super-sub Merino strikes late again as Spain beat Belgium to set up France showdown

ByKehinde-Hassan Afolabi

Mikel Merino scored an 88th-minute winner to lift Spain to a 2-1 victory over Belgium, sending the European champions into the 2026 World Cup semi-finals against France.

European champions Spain advanced to the 2026 World Cup semi-finals following a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium at the SoFi Stadium in California.

Midfielder Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring for Spain in the first half. Charles De Ketelaere equalized with a near-post glance, marking the first goal Spain conceded in the tournament.

The decisive moment arrived three minutes from time when substitute Mikel Merino capitalized on a goalkeeping error.

Belgium’s starting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had been forced off with a thigh injury, leaving backup Senne Lammens to parry a long-range effort into Merino’s path. The late match-winner books Spain a semi-final clash against powerhouse

Kehinde-Hassan Afolabi is a football journalist whose deep tactical understanding of the game makes him a standout, captivating audiences across print, audio, and video. His poetic background brings a unique rhythm and depth to his work, seamlessly transforming analysis into artistry. With a knack for narration and research, he captures the drama of the game beyond tactics and statistics, making each piece of his; a compelling blend of insight and storytelling.

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