Spain 2-1 Belgium: FIFA World Cup 2026 Surprise starter Fabian Ruiz and late replacement Mikel Merino slotted home rebounds to secure Spain’s victory over Belgium in their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final at Los Angeles Stadium. Luis de la Fuente’s side will now face France at Dallas Stadium in one of the biggest semi-finals in World Cup history.
The electrifying Lamine Yamal cut inside and flashed an attempt narrowly wide, before Belgium struck back on the brink of a break. An intuitive Kevin De Bruyne pass freed Timothy Castagne, whose excellent cross was headed home by Charles De Ketelaere, who had craftily crept onside.
The great Courtois went off injured in the 71st minute. When his replacement, Senne Lammens, failed to hold a Pau Cubarsi drive from distance, Merino, who had been on the pitch for merely minutes, lashed home the loose ball to settle the match.