Spain has advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Belgium in the quarterfinal round. The result sets up a high-stakes clash against France for a spot in the tournament final. Mikel Merino emerged as the match-winner for La Roja, breaking the deadlock in a game that tested the defensive discipline of both sides.
Match Progression and Tactical Breakdown
The quarterfinal encounter at the 2026 World Cup saw Spain tested by a resilient Belgian side that successfully challenged the Spanish defensive record. Heading into the match, Spain had maintained a clean sheet streak that defined their tournament run, but that defensive wall was breached in the first half.
Charles De Ketelaere was the player responsible for ending Spain's shutout streak, finding the back of the net to equalize the scoreline at 1-1 before halftime.
The decisive moment arrived through Mikel Merino, whose late-game impact secured the 2-1 win. His goal solidified Spain’s position in the final four, proving the depth of the squad when the starting lineup faced sustained resistance from the Belgian backline.
The Road to the Semifinals
This match served as a stern test for a team that had largely cruised through the earlier stages of the tournament with defensive dominance.
For Belgium, the exit marks the end of a campaign that saw them reach the final eight, though they were unable to overcome the eventual winners of this quarterfinal tie.
Next Steps for La Roja
With the quarterfinal win secured, Spain now turns its attention to a massive semifinal matchup against France.
- Winner: Spain
- Semifinal Opponent: France
- Tournament Stage: Semifinals
