The Spanish national team succeeded in overcoming Belgium with a score of 2-1 in an exciting match in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, thus qualifying for the semi-finals where they will face France on July 14 in Dallas.
The Spaniards dominated the beginning of the match, and Fabian Ruiz scored the first goal in the 30th minute after a shot by Dani Olmo that was saved by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, allowing Ruiz to successfully follow up on the rebound.
The Belgians responded strongly, and Charles De Ketelaere scored the equalizer in the 41st minute with a fantastic header, ending the first half in a 1-1 draw.
In the second half, coach Luis de la Fuente made offensive changes, and the decisive moment came in the 88th minute when substitute Mikel Merino scored the winning goal. The ball came after a shot by Pau Torres that was saved by substitute goalkeeper Seny Lanzi, allowing Merino to powerfully follow up on the rebound into the net.
With this victory, Spain continues its strong journey in the tournament, benefiting from late goals as happened against Portugal. As for Belgium, they were eliminated despite a remarkable performance at times during the match.
The next confrontation will be against France (which qualified by winning 2-0 against Morocco).
