Spain are back in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2010 after securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium.
The quarter-final looked destined for extra time after Belgium fought back from an early deficit. However, Mikel Merino once again delivered in a crucial moment, scoring the winner just two minutes from full time to send La Roja into a blockbuster semi-final against France.
Fabián Ruiz Rewards Luis de la Fuente’s Selection
Spain controlled much of the opening half and broke the deadlock in the 30th minute.
Given the nod ahead of Pedri, Fabián Ruiz justified his inclusion by finishing calmly to put Spain in front.
The Spanish midfield continued to dictate possession, while Lamine Yamal remained a constant threat down the right flank. The teenage winger produced one of the standout moments before halftime, weaving past Jérémy Doku before forcing Thibaut Courtois into a routine save with a curling free kick.
Belgium Hit Back Before the Break
Belgium responded before halftime with a well-worked team move.
Kevin De Bruyne found Timothy Castagne with a perfectly weighted pass, allowing the right-back to deliver an inviting cross into the penalty area.
Charles De Ketelaere escaped Pau Cubarsí’s marking and powered a header beyond Unai Simón in the 41st minute, ending Spain’s impressive six-match clean-sheet streak in the tournament.
With the score level at 1-1, the second half became a tense tactical battle.
Courtois Injury Changes the Match
The biggest turning point arrived in the 71st minute.
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois injured his left leg while making a save from Mikel Oyarzabal’s effort. Although he initially tried to continue, the Real Madrid shot-stopper was eventually forced off.
Young goalkeeper Senne Lammens replaced him for the remainder of the match.
Belgium defended well after the substitution, but the loss of Courtois proved costly in the closing stages.
Merino Punishes Belgium’s Late Mistake
Spain finally found their breakthrough in the 88th minute.
A speculative long-range effort from Pau Cubarsí looked harmless, but Lammens failed to hold onto the shot, spilling the ball back into a crowded penalty area.
Mikel Merino reacted quickest, calmly tapping home the loose ball to secure Spain’s dramatic 2-1 victory.
It marked yet another crucial contribution from the substitute midfielder, who once again proved decisive when his team needed him most.
Spain One Step Away from Another World Cup Final
The victory sends Spain into the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, where they will face France in one of the tournament’s biggest matches.
After waiting 16 years to return to the last four, La Roja are now just one win away from reaching another World Cup final.
Match Result
Spain 2-1 Belgium
Goals
- 30′ Fabián Ruiz (Spain)
- 41′ Charles De Ketelaere (Belgium)
- 88′ Mikel Merino (Spain)
World Cup Quarter-Final Preview: Norway Aim for Another Shock Against England
Norway’s Fairytale Faces Its Toughest Test Yet
Norway’s remarkable World Cup journey continues with a quarter-final showdown against England at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
After stunning Brazil in the Round of 16, Ståle Solbakken’s side has already made history by reaching the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.
Standing in their way is an England team managed by Thomas Tuchel, who showed tremendous resilience by defeating co-host Mexico 3-2 despite playing more than half an hour with 10 men.
Haaland Headlines Norway’s Attack
All eyes will once again be on Erling Haaland, who leads the Golden Boot race with seven goals in five matches.
Supported by captain Martin Ødegaard, Norway has become one of the tournament’s most dangerous counter-attacking sides, combining physicality with clinical finishing.
England’s defence will face its toughest challenge yet.
England’s Defensive Problems Continue
England head into the match with several injury and suspension concerns.
Jarell Quansah is suspended after his red card against Mexico, while Reece James remains unavailable because of a hamstring injury.
As a result, Djed Spence is expected to start at right-back.
Meanwhile, Declan Rice and Marc Guéhi are both racing to recover in time for the quarter-final.
Midfield Battle Could Decide the Match
The contest in midfield promises to be one of the highlights of the game.
England’s Jude Bellingham, fresh off a two-goal performance against Mexico, will go head-to-head with Norway playmaker Martin Ødegaard.
Whichever side controls possession and exploits the space between the lines could gain the decisive advantage.
Projected Lineups
Norway (4-3-3):
Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe; Ødegaard, Berge, Patrick Berg; Sørloth, Haaland, Nusa.
England (4-2-3-1):
Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Stones, Burn; Rice, Mainoo; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
Argentina Meet Switzerland in High-Stakes Quarter-Final Showdown
Champions Face Tournament’s Toughest Defensive Team
Defending champions Argentina continue their title defence with a quarter-final clash against Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium.
The winner will advance to face either Norway or England in the World Cup semi-finals.
While Argentina remain favourites, Lionel Scaloni’s side has survived two dramatic knockout matches, including a stunning comeback against Egypt after trailing by two goals.
Switzerland, meanwhile, has quietly become one of the tournament’s most disciplined teams, reaching the quarter-finals without trailing in a single match.
Messi Chases More History
Lionel Messi enters the match as the tournament’s leading scorer with eight goals in five games.
Standing in his way is Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, whose outstanding performances have made him the highest-rated remaining goalkeeper based on post-shot expected goals prevented.
Their duel could define the match.
Attack Meets Defensive Discipline
Argentina’s aggressive attacking style has produced goals but has also left them vulnerable defensively, conceding five goals in their last three matches.
Switzerland presents the opposite profile, building success on a compact defensive structure that has allowed only three goals throughout the tournament.
Midfield Could Hold the Key
Argentina’s trio of Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, and Rodrigo De Paul will look to dictate play against the experienced partnership of Granit Xhaka and Denis Zakaria.
If Switzerland can limit Argentina’s passing through midfield, they may have a genuine opportunity to pull off another upset.
Projected Lineups
Argentina (4-1-3-2):
Emiliano Martínez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Tagliafico; Paredes; De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister; Messi, Julián Álvarez.
Switzerland (3-4-2-1):
Gregor Kobel; Akanji, Elvedi, Rodríguez; Widmer, Freuler, Xhaka, Aebischer; Ndoye, Vargas; Embolo.
