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Mikel Merino stars again as Spain edges Belgium 2-1 in the World Cup quarterfinals
Merino scored on a rebound in the 88th minute as Spain extended its unbeaten run to 36 matches and set up a semifinal against France.
- On Friday, July 10, 2026, Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 at SoFi Stadium in the World Cup quarterfinals, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring the decisive goal in the 88th minute to advance to the semifinals.
- Fabian Ruiz put Spain ahead in the 30th minute off a rebound, but Charles De Ketelaere equalized in the 41st minute, ending Spain's tournament-record shutout streak of 649 minutes without conceding.
- Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois exited in the 71st minute with a thigh injury; replacement Senne Lammens spilled Pau Cubarsi's low shot in the 88th minute, allowing Merino to pounce on the rebound.
- Merino's strike marked his second consecutive late winner as a substitute, making the Arsenal midfielder the first player to score winning knockout goals in two different matches off the bench in World Cup history.
- Spain will face France on Tuesday, July 14, in Dallas for a spot in the World Cup final, extending an unbeaten streak that has reached 37 matches across all competitions.
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Here you can find information on the topic "Football World Cup". Read now "That was the World Cup night: Merino shoots Spain into the semi-finals".
·Germany
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Who Is Mikel Merino? Spain's 'Super-Sub' Who Broke Cristiano Ronaldo And Kevin De Bruyne's World Cup Dreams
Mikel Merino scored his second goal of the tournament when he pounced on a rebound from Pau Cubarsi's effort, which was spilled by Belgium backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
·New Delhi, India
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Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to advance to the semi-finals. Super sub Mikel Merino scored the winning goal in the 88th minute to seal Spain's victory. They will now face Kylian Mbappé-led France in the semi-finals.
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Total News Sources292
Leaning Left40Leaning Right55Center55Last UpdatedBias Distribution37% Center, 36% Right
Bias Distribution
- 37% of the sources are Center, 36% of the sources lean Right
37% Center
L 27%
C 37%
R 36%
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