Mikel Merino delivered another decisive late intervention as Spain edged Belgium 2-1 in a FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal on Friday, booking a semifinal meeting with France.

The Arsenal midfielder struck in the 88th minute, pouncing on a spilled rebound inside the box to slot home the winner and send Spain into only the second World Cup semifinal in their history at this edition of the tournament.

Courtois injury opens the door

Merino's winner owed much to the misfortune of Belgium's goalkeeping situation. First-choice stopper Thibaut Courtois was withdrawn with an apparent injury in the 71st minute, bringing Manchester United's Senne Lammens off the bench.

Lammens then failed to hold a long-range effort from Pau Cubarsi, spilling the ball directly into the path of an onrushing Merino, who wasted no time finishing into the roof of the net.

It was the second consecutive tournament knock-out match in which Merino proved decisive — he had also scored the winning goal for Spain in their round of 16 victory over Portugal.

Ruiz's reward for starting ahead of Pedri

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente made one notable change to his side for the quarterfinal, handing Fabián Ruiz the start in place of Pedri. The decision was vindicated early in the second quarter of the first half when Ruiz reacted quickest to a rebound to give Spain the lead.

Belgium, however, refused to be overrun. On 41 minutes, Timothy Castagne delivered a precise cross that Charles De Ketelaere met with a glancing header to beat Unai Simón and level the contest, setting up a tense final half-hour.

Spain's record run continues

The win extended Spain's unbeaten run to 36 consecutive matches — a new national record and just one game short of Italy's all-time mark of 37. Luis de la Fuente's side now face France in the semifinal as they chase a place in the World Cup final.