Spain into semi-finals at expense of Belgium after Merino's late winner

Spain secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium to book their place in the World Cup semi-finals, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring an 88th-minute header that stunned the Red Devils. Merino, who had come off the bench, rose highest to meet a cross and send Spain through to a last-four showdown against France. The match was a tense, evenly contested quarterfinal, but La Roja's persistence paid off in the dying moments. Belgium, who had matched Spain for long stretches, will rue the late lapse that ended their World Cup campaign. For Spain, the dream of lifting the trophy in 2026 remains alive as they prepare for a heavyweight clash with the French.