Spain edge past Belgium 2-1: Merino delivers again off the bench

For the second time in this World Cup, Mikel Merino came off the bench to decide a knockout tie. The midfielder, who previously scored the winner against Portugal, struck in the 88th minute to send Spain into the semifinals against France. The first half produced two goals. Fabián Ruiz put Spain ahead in the 30th minute, but Belgium answered quickly through Charles De Ketelaere in the 41st – the first goal Spain had conceded in the tournament. Unai Simón finally saw his net bulge. Spain dominated possession after the break and created numerous chances, but Belgium remained dangerous on the counter. The decisive moment arrived with two minutes left in regulation. Senne Lammens, who had replaced Thibaut Courtois in the 71st minute, could only parry Pau Cubarsí's shot straight into the danger zone. Merino, on the pitch for just two minutes, was first to the rebound and smashed it home. Spain held on through stoppage time to secure the win. Here are the goals and highlights of the World Cup 2026 quarterfinal: Spain 2-1 Belgium Goals: Ruiz 30, Merino 88 – De Ketelaere 41 Spain: Simón – Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella – Rodri, Ruiz (Pedri 55) – Yamal, Olmo (Merino 86), Baena (Torres 55) – Oyarzabal (Williams 79). Belgium: Courtois (Lammens 71) – Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper (Seys 61) – Vanaken (Lukaku 61), Raskin – Trossard (Witsel 61), De Bruyne (Saelemaekers 86), Doku – De Ketelaere. Bookings: Cubarsí, Laporte – De Bruyne, Witsel