The footballing world witnessed an instant classic at the Los Angeles Stadium as Spain faced off against Belgium in a high-stakes quarterfinal. Fans searching for the definitive Spain vs Belgium World Cup 2026 highlights will lock onto a single name today: Mikel Merino. The Arsenal midfielder stepped off the bench to repeat his tournament heroics, crushing Belgian hearts with an 88th-minute winner.

The match finished 2-1 in favor of the European champions, extending La Roja’s historic unbeaten run to an outright record of 36 matches. Luis de la Fuente’s side showed incredible character, setting up a blockbuster semifinal clash against France in Dallas.

First-Half Drama: Rebounds and Flying Headers

A vibrant action shot capturing the pure joy of the Spanish national football team as players jump and embrace on the pitch following a crucial goal. Substitutes wearing pink training bibs emblazoned with the official “FIFA World Cup 2026” logo rush to join the celebration against a backdrop of a packed, colorful stadium crowd.

Spain took control of possession early in the match, probing a compact Belgian defense. The breakthrough came in the 30th minute following a tactical surprise from De la Fuente. Fabian Ruiz, who started unexpectedly ahead of Pedri, reacted fastest to a loose ball in the six-yard box. Dani Olmo unleashed a fierce drive that Belgium’s star keeper Thibaut Courtois repelled, but Ruiz was perfectly positioned to fire home the rebound.

La Roja looked set to carry their lead into the interval, especially with Lamine Yamal causing endless problems down the right wing. However, the Red Devils struck back efficiently just four minutes before the break.

An intuitive, defence-splitting pass from Kevin De Bruyne released Timothy Castagne along the flank. Castagne delivered an exquisite cross into the box, where Charles De Ketelaere had craftily crept onside to guide a brilliant header past Unai Simón. The equalizer marked the first goal Spain had conceded at this World Cup in over 10 hours of play.

The Turning Point and Merino’s Late Heroics

The second half turned into a tactical chess match as both managers utilized their benches to inject fresh energy. The dynamic of the game shifted dramatically in the 71st minute when Thibaut Courtois was forced off due to an injury. His departure brought young replacement goalkeeper Senne Lammens into the line of fire for the Red Devils.

As the match seemed destined for extra time, Spain found their definitive breakthrough. In the 88th minute, teenage defender Pau Cubarsí drove a low, powerful shot from long range. Lammens struggled to handle the bouncing drive and spilled the ball directly into the danger zone.

Mikel Merino, who had only been introduced onto the pitch two minutes prior, displayed incredible positional awareness. The super-sub lunged forward to thump the loose ball into the back of the net before being clattered by a defender, sending the Spanish fans into pure ecstasy.

Match Timeline & Key Moments

30′ GOAL! Fabian Ruiz fires home a rebound after Courtois parries Dani Olmo’s initial shot. (Spain 1 – 0 Belgium)

41′ GOAL! Charles De Ketelaere equalizes with an intuitive header from Timothy Castagne’s cross. (Spain 1 – 1 Belgium)

71′ INJURY SUBSTITUTE: Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois leaves the pitch injured; Senne Lammens fills the goal.

88′ GOAL! Super-sub Mikel Merino pounces on a spilled ball from Lammens to secure the winning goal. (Spain 2 – 1 Belgium)

What Lies Ahead for La Roja

With this emotional victory, Spain moves on to the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup for the first time since their legendary championship run in 2010. They are scheduled to play France on Tuesday, July 14, at Dallas Stadium.

For Belgium, the defeat brings a heartbreaking conclusion to their tournament journey. While the Red Devils put up a tremendous fight, individual errors in the closing stages proved costly against a ruthless Spanish side.