- Spain Edge Belgium with Late Winner to Reach 2026 FIFA World Cup Semi-finals
- Merino scored the winning goal after a costly goalkeeper mistake.
- Spain will face France in a blockbuster semi-final clash.
Spain booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium, with a late goal resulting from a costly mistake by substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
The quarter-final clash looked destined for extra time before Lammens failed to hold Pau Cubarsí’s long-range effort, allowing Mikel Merino to react quickest and tap home the decisive goal with only minutes remaining.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Messi Breaks 96-year World Cup Record As Argentina Sends Egypt Home
- I Deposited Billions In Cash For Emefiele – Witness Reveals
- Tinubu Gives Fresh Appointment To Gbajabiamila, AGF, Others
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the victory sets up a blockbuster semi-final clash between Spain and reigning world champions France at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas on Tuesday, in what many football fans have described as a potential early final.
Spain dominated possession for much of the contest but struggled to convert their superiority into clear-cut chances against a disciplined Belgian defence.
Belgium suffered a major setback before kickoff after captain Youri Tielemans was ruled out, and their problems worsened in the second half when first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with a thigh injury.
Courtois, who had produced several impressive saves to frustrate Spain, was replaced by Lammens, whose late error ultimately proved decisive.
Spain had continued to pile pressure on the Belgian defence after the break, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal constantly threatening down the right flank, while Dani Olmo, Pedri and Ferran Torres all searched for the breakthrough.
Despite the relentless pressure, Belgium remained resilient and looked capable of forcing extra time through quick counter-attacks led by Jérémy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne.
The Red Devils even came close to finding a late equaliser after Alexis Saelemaekers launched a dangerous counter-attack, but Aymeric Laporte made a crucial clearance to preserve Spain’s advantage.
Merino’s winning goal finally broke Belgium’s resistance and sent Spain into the final four of the tournament.
The defeat marks another disappointing World Cup exit for Belgium and could signal the end of an era for several members of the country’s celebrated “Golden Generation,” including Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.
Questions are also expected to be raised over the future of head coach Rudi Garcia, whose contract expires at the end of the tournament.
Spain, meanwhile, will now turn their attention to an eagerly anticipated semi-final showdown against France, with a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at stake.’
