Spain are through to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium secured their place in the last four.
Mikel Merino has once again proven himself to be Spain’s most decisive impact player, scoring a late winner to stun Belgium in a tense quarter-final encounter.
The Arsenal midfielder came off the bench and made his mark in the 88th minute, leaving Belgium devastated and unable to recover in the closing stages.
It was a moment of real quality from Merino, who has developed a reputation for producing crucial goals at the biggest moments of this tournament.
Spain, as they so often do, showed tremendous resilience and composure under pressure, fighting back to take all three points in a fiercely contested match.
Belgium had made things extremely difficult for Spain throughout the game, and the match remained in the balance deep into the second half.
The Belgians will feel the heartbreak of conceding so late, having worked tirelessly to frustrate one of the tournament’s most fluid attacking sides.
Spain’s coaching staff will be delighted with how their substitutions changed the game, with Merino’s introduction proving the decisive tactical move of the evening.
The victory sets up a mouthwatering World Cup semi-final against France, promising to be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the entire tournament.
Spain will head into that clash with real confidence, knowing they have the quality and character to compete with anyone left in the competition.
With Merino delivering once more when it mattered most, Spain look every inch a side capable of going all the way and lifting the trophy.
