Spain are through to the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles, ending the Red Devils’ impressive tournament run and booking a heavyweight last-four showdown against France.
It marks Spain’s first appearance in a World Cup semi-final since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010, as Luis de la Fuente’s side continue their pursuit of a second world title.
Fabián Ruiz gave La Roja the lead in the 30th minute after being preferred to Pedri in the starting lineup, but Belgium responded 11 minutes later when Charles De Ketelaere headed home Timothy Castagne’s cross to level the contest before half-time.
With both sides locked at 1-1 deep into the second half, substitute Mikel Merino proved to be Spain’s match-winner in the 88th minute. Pau Cubarsí’s low effort slipped through the grasp of Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens, allowing the Arsenal midfielder to react quickest and convert the rebound from close range.
Belgium battled bravely despite arriving at the quarter-final severely weakened by injuries. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, midfielder Amadou Onana and captain Youri Tielemans were all unavailable, yet Rudi Garcia’s side still pushed Spain until the closing moments.
Spain, however, showed the composure and resilience that have defined their campaign, controlling possession for long spells before finding the decisive breakthrough when it mattered most.
The victory sends La Roja into a mouth-watering semi-final against France, who earlier defeated Morocco 2-0 to become the tournament’s first semi-finalists. The clash, scheduled for Tuesday, July 14 at Dallas Stadium, will pit two of Europe’s biggest football powers against each other for a place in the World Cup final.
France arrive boasting the tournament’s most prolific attack, led by Kylian Mbappé, while Spain have impressed with their disciplined defensive structure and possession-based football, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated matches of the competition.
For Belgium, the defeat ends a spirited campaign in which they overcame the United States and survived several injury setbacks before finally falling to one of the tournament favourites.
Spain, meanwhile, are now just one victory away from reaching their first FIFA World Cup final in 16 years, with only reigning European rivals France standing between them and another shot at football’s biggest prize.
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