Spain Advances to World Cup Semifinals After Tense Match Against Belgium
Merino's Late Heroics Secure Spanish Victory
Spain secured a spot in the FIFA World Cup semifinals, defeating Belgium 2-1 in a dramatic quarter-final clash. The match unfolded at SoFi Stadium on Friday, July 10, 2026, before a crowd of 70,492 fans. A late goal sealed Spain's victory in a tightly contested encounter.
The game saw both teams battling fiercely for control. Spain managed to break the deadlock in the first half, but Belgium quickly responded, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish.
F. Ruiz Peña opened the scoring for Spain in the 30th minute, giving his side an early lead. However, Belgium's C. de Ketelaere equalized just before halftime, finding the net in the 41st minute. The score remained level for much of the second half, with both defenses holding firm. The decisive moment arrived in the 88th minute when M. Merino scored, putting Spain ahead just before the final whistle. This late strike proved to be the winner, sending Spain into the next round.
What Was the Key Turning Point in the Match?
The critical turning point came with M. Merino's goal in the 88th minute. This late surge of offense broke the 1-1 tie, leaving Belgium with little time to mount a comeback. The goal shifted the momentum entirely in Spain's favor, ultimately deciding the outcome of the quarter-final match.
Spain will now prepare for their semifinal match, carrying the momentum from this hard-fought victory. Their performance demonstrated resilience and the ability to capitalize on late opportunities, qualities that will be crucial in the next stage of the tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the match? Spain defeated Belgium with a final score of 2-1. The match was closely contested until the very end.
Who scored the winning goal for Spain? M. Merino scored the winning goal for Spain in the 88th minute of the match. This late goal secured their advancement.
When and where was the match played? The FIFA World Cup quarter-final between Spain and Belgium took place on Friday, July 10, 2026, at SoFi Stadium.