Spain defeated Belgium 2–1 in Los Angeles on Friday, July 10, to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals, where it will meet France in one of the tournament’s most anticipated matchups. Substitute Mikel Merino scored the winner in the closing minutes after Belgium had become the first team at this World Cup to breach Spain’s defense.

The result fills the first half of the semifinal bracket. France advanced Thursday with a 2–0 win over Morocco, while the other two quarterfinals—Norway against England and Argentina against Switzerland—are scheduled for Saturday.

Key moments from Spain’s win

  • 30th minute: Fabián Ruiz put Spain ahead, converting a rebound.
  • 41st minute: Charles De Ketelaere headed Belgium level, ending Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón’s World Cup-record shutout run at 650 minutes dating to the 2022 tournament.
  • 86th minute: Merino entered as a substitute.
  • Late winner: On his second touch, Merino reacted first after Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens could not hold Pau Cubarsí’s long-range effort.

Belgium pushed for another equalizer in stoppage time, but Aymeric Laporte cleared its best late opportunity. The loss ended Belgium’s 18-match unbeaten run across all competitions.

Why Spain-France stands out

Spain and France will arrive at Tuesday’s semifinal in Arlington, Texas, without a loss in the tournament. Spain has now gone 37 consecutive competitive matches unbeaten, a run stretching back to March 2023.

The matchup also brings together two teams that have reached the last four in very different ways. Spain’s possession and defensive control carried it through five matches without conceding before De Ketelaere’s goal. France eliminated Morocco 2–0 and now faces the Spanish side many observers considered its clearest rival for the title.

Spain’s depth could be decisive. Merino’s winning contribution almost immediately after coming on illustrated how coach Luis de la Fuente can change a knockout match from the bench. Belgium, meanwhile, leaves the tournament after a performance that was competitive until the final minutes, despite captain Youri Tielemans being withdrawn after an injury in warmups and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois leaving injured during the second half.

Saturday’s quarterfinals

Two places remain in the semifinals:

  • Norway vs. England: Saturday, July 11, at 5 p.m. Eastern in Miami Gardens, Florida.
  • Argentina vs. Switzerland: Saturday, July 11, at 9 p.m. Eastern in Kansas City, Missouri.

The winners will meet in the second semifinal. Argentina remains among the pre-tournament favorites, while Switzerland arrives after eliminating Colombia on penalties. England faces a Norway side led by Erling Haaland after both teams survived a knockout round that eliminated all three host nations: Canada, Mexico and the United States.

What is next

Spain and France meet Tuesday, July 14, in Arlington. Before then, Saturday’s doubleheader will complete the final four and determine whether the other semifinal follows the expected script or delivers the tournament’s biggest late-stage surprise.