Spain vs Belgium

Spain vs Belgium at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in a thrilling World Cup 2026 quarterfinal. Mikel Merino, a super-substitute, scored in the 88th minute shortly after coming off the bench.

Table of Contents

Quick Overview

Detail	Information
Match	Spain vs Belgium
Competition	World Cup 2026 Quarter-Final
Venue	SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Los Angeles
Result	Spain 2 – 1 Belgium
Goalscorers	Ruiz (30′), De Ketelaere (41′), Merino (88′)
Hero	Mikel Merino (2nd straight game as match-winner)
Spain’s Next Match	Semi-Final vs France (July 14, Dallas)
Unbeaten Streak	Spain extends to 36 matches

First Half: Ruiz Opens the Scoring, Belgium Strike Back

Spain patiently built attacks through the midfield, controlling possession from the outset. The European champions created numerous opportunities and controlled 62% of the possession in the first half.

In the thirty-first minute, the breakthrough was made. Thibaut Courtois stopped Dani Olmo’s shot, but Fabian Ruiz was the fastest to tap in the rebound from close range. With the first goal, Ruiz—a surprise starter ahead of Pedri—justified his choice.

But Belgium took advantage of a unique opportunity. Timothy Castagne was released down the right flank by Kevin De Bruyne in the forty-first minute. Charles De Ketelaere headed home to tie the score after his superb cross found him.

The objective was important: Unai Simon broke the World Cup record previously held by Italy’s Walter Zenga (517 minutes), ending Spain’s incredible clean sheet run at 560 minutes.

Second Half: Courtois Injury Changes the Game

In the second half, both teams had chances to take the lead. In the 48th minute, Lamine Yamal faced Courtois one-on-one in his sixth tournament appearance—the most by a player under the age of eighteen at a World Cup—but the custodian prevailed.

The 72nd minute was the pivotal moment. After playing a crucial role in keeping Belgium in the game, Thibaut Courtois left the game hurt and in tears. Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens took his place.

Thibaut Courtois being helped off the pitch after suffering an injury during Belgium's World Cup quarter-final against Spain — Courtois went off injured in the 72nd minute, a turning point in the match.

The Decisive Moment: Merino Strikes Again

Spain found a late winner as the game appeared to be going into extra time.

Pau Cubarsí scored the goal in the 88th minute with a long-range effort. Lammens lost control of the ball and let it fall straight into Mikel Merino’s path. The Arsenal midfielder, who had only been on the field for two minutes after taking Dani Olmo’s place, responded the fastest and struck the rebound into the net’s roof.

Mikel Merino celebrating after scoring the winning goal for Spain against Belgium in the World Cup quarter-final — Merino scored his second late winner in as many knockout matches to send Spain through.

For the second straight game, Merino scored the game-winning goal after coming off the bench. In the Round of 16, he had previously scored a late goal as a substitute against Portugal.

Match Summary

Detail	Information
Half-Time Score	1-1
Full-Time Score	Spain 2 – 1 Belgium
Spain Goalscorers	Ruiz (30′), Merino (88′)
Belgium Goalscorer	De Ketelaere (41′)
Key Moment	Courtois injury (72′) — Belgium forced to use substitute keeper
Spain’s Next Match	Semi-Final vs France, July 14 in Dallas

Why Spain Won

Spain players celebrating their 2-1 victory over Belgium, advancing to the World Cup semi-finals at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles — Spain celebrates reaching the World Cup semi-finals after a dramatic 2-1 win over Belgium.

Individual brilliance: Fabian Ruiz’s opening goal and Rodri’s composure in midfield, who dictated the tempo and imposed his style of play on the opponent, made the difference.

Clinical finishing: Despite not dominating possession, Spain punished Belgium’s mistakes. As one analysis noted, “Spain didn’t need to maintain constant pressure. Instead, they patiently wait and punish their opponents’ mistakes with their superior personnel”.

The Merino factor: Mikel Merino has redefined the “super-sub” role at this World Cup. He is the first player in World Cup history to score winning goals in separate knockout ties as a substitute.

Courtois injury: Belgium’s momentum and defensive stability collapsed when their veteran goalkeeper was forced off.

What the Players Said

Mikel Merino, Spain midfielder: “I’m thrilled. I doubt it will happen again. We’re two matches away from winning a World Cup. It’s a dream come true.”

Luis de la Fuente, Spain coach: “It’s the character of the team. It’s an honour to coach a team so committed and eager to improve. It’s fair to think we can beat France. We’re going to work hard for it.”