Spain reached the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in the quarterfinals in Inglewood, California. Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring in the 30th minute, Charles De Ketelaere equalised for Belgium in the 41st, before substitute Mikel Merino struck the decisive winner in the 88th minute.
The match began with Spain trying to impose their familiar rhythm through possession, short passing and controlled movement between the lines. Belgium, however, entered the game with a clear plan to stay compact defensively and use quick transitions whenever Spain lost the ball. The early stages were tactical rather than open, with both teams careful not to expose too much space in such a high-stakes knockout match.
Spain gradually began to take control through midfield. Their patience paid off in the 30th minute when Fabián Ruiz gave La Roja the lead. The goal rewarded Spain’s pressure and reflected their ability to build attacks with composure, moving Belgium’s defensive block until a gap appeared.
Belgium responded strongly instead of retreating. Their attacking players became more aggressive in transition, and in the 41st minute Charles De Ketelaere scored the equaliser to make it 1-1. It was a major moment in the contest, not only because it brought Belgium level before halftime, but also because it was the first goal Spain had conceded in the tournament.
The second half became more intense and physical. Spain continued to control long spells of possession, but Belgium looked dangerous whenever they broke forward. A key turning point came when Thibaut Courtois was forced off injured early in the second half. His replacement, Senne Lammens, came into a difficult situation under major pressure.
As the match moved toward extra time, Spain increased the tempo and pushed Belgium deeper. The decisive moment came in the 88th minute. Mikel Merino, introduced from the bench to add energy and late movement, reacted sharply after Lammens spilled a save. Merino followed the rebound and finished to put Spain 2-1 ahead.
Belgium tried to respond in the final minutes, with Romelu Lukaku among those looking for a late equaliser, but Spain managed the closing stages with discipline and maturity.
From a tactical perspective, Spain’s victory was built on patience, midfield control and the impact of their substitutes. Belgium competed well and showed quality in transition, but Courtois’ injury and Spain’s late pressure proved decisive.
With this result, Spain advance to the semifinals, where they will face France in one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament. Belgium exit after a strong campaign, but Spain’s depth and composure carried them through a demanding quarterfinal.