Mikel Merino stars again as Spain edges Belgium 2-1 in the World Cup quarterfinals
Mikel Merino scored a rebound winner in the 88th minute, and Spain ended a 649-minute scoreless streak while moving into the semifinals.
- On Friday, July 10, 2026, Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, advancing to the semifinals on midfielder Mikel Merino's 88th-minute goal.
- Fabian Ruiz scored in the 30th minute to give Spain the lead, but Charles De Ketelaere equalized in the 41st minute, ending Spain's tournament-record scoreless streak at 649 minutes.
- Belgium's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois exited in the 72nd minute with an apparent injury, and replacement Senne Lammens spilled the rebound that Merino converted into the game-winner.
- Spain advances to the FIFA World Cup semifinals, where the European champions will face France on July 14 for a spot in the final.
- This victory extends Spain's unbeaten run to 37 consecutive matches as the team pursues its first World Cup title since 2010.
128 Articles
128 Articles
Argentina legend Kempes rejects conspiracy theories +++ Morocco chanceless: International press celebrates France and bows to Mbappé +++ The World Cup blog.
The semi-final opponent of France at the World Cup is called Spain. The Iberians defeat in the quarter final Belgium with 2:1.
He is the man for the very important goals in Spain: Mikel Merino! The 30-year-old shot the Iberians against Belgium to the victory and promoted the European Champion to the semi-finals. Jolly he said: "I'm getting used to it very slowly. "He has already done it again!Mikel Merino became Spain's match winner again and promoted his team to the preliminary round of the 2026 World Cup. The Routinian hit Belgium by duster in the 88th minute of the g…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
