If Day 1 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals was France making a statement, Day 2 was Spain writing yet another last-minute drama chapter. Belgium's captain ruled out in the warmup. Courtois limping off injured in the second half. And Merino — coming off the bench with less than two minutes on the clock — tapping home a spilled rebound in the 88th minute to break Belgian hearts.
One match. An absolute rollercoaster. The FIFA 2026 quarter-finals keep delivering.
Spain 2-1 Belgium: Spain's Relentless Belief Rewarded Them With a Place in the Semi-Finals
Before a ball was kicked, Belgium had already taken a huge blow. Captain Youri Tielemans — outstanding throughout the tournament and scorer of the most dramatic penalty in World Cup history against Senegal — pulled up injured in the warmup and was ruled out completely. Belgium faced the FIFA 2026 tournament's most defensively solid side without their most important midfielder. That is a mountain to climb before the first whistle.
Spain were on the front foot immediately. Lamine Yamal was relentless down the right, driving at defenders and creating space for the midfield runners. Rodri tested Courtois from range early. Baena had a shot blocked. Spain were dominant and looking for the breakthrough.
The 30th minute gave it to them — but not without a slice of luck. Fabián Ruiz drove a shot from the edge of the box that Courtois got both hands to but could not hold. The ball spilled straight back to Ruiz, who was quickest to react and stabbed it into the open net. 1-0 Spain. They have a habit of finding a way at this tournament.
Belgium hit back fast. In the 41st minute, De Ketelaere received the ball, turned his defender brilliantly and curled a beautiful shot across Simón into the far corner. 1-1. Spain had just conceded for the first time in the entire FIFA World Cup 2026 — across all six of their matches — and the record was gone. The SoFi Stadium came alive.
The second half was relentless. Yamal tested Courtois twice in quick succession. Oyarzabal was denied from close range. De Bruyne came off the bench and drove Belgium forward dangerously on the counter. The match was end to end and completely impossible to call.
Then the 73rd minute changed everything. Courtois — who had been outstanding all match — went down clutching his left thigh and could not continue. Backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens came on with 17 minutes left. Spain sensed it immediately and the pressure became relentless.
Lammens handled everything thrown at him well enough until the 88th minute. Pau Cubarsi drove a shot from the edge of the box — Lammens got down to it but spilled the rebound straight across the six-yard box. Mikel Merino — on the pitch for less than two minutes — arrived at pace and tapped it into the open net. 2-1 Spain. Lammens dropped to his knees. The stadium went absolutely wild.
Spain held on. The final whistle confirmed it — Spain are in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals for the first time since 2010. Merino has now scored two crucial late winners in this tournament. The man arrives at exactly the right moment every single time.
Belgium go home having lost their captain in the warmup and their best goalkeeper to injury in the second half. They deserved better. But Spain found a way — as they always seem to.
Moments Like These Only Exist When You Watch Live — Here's Where to Catch Every Semi-Final Free
Merino arriving at the back post. Lammens on his knees. De Ketelaere's curling equaliser. These moments only truly hit when you are watching them live — not on a replay the morning after.
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Spain vs France Is Coming — The Most Anticipated Semi-Final of FIFA World Cup 2026 Starts Now
Spain vs France in Dallas. Norway vs England in Miami. Argentina vs Switzerland in Kansas City. Three FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals — every single one a genuine blockbuster.
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Day 2 Is Done — Norway vs England Tomorrow and It Is Already Looking Absolutely Electric
Merino tapped home a spilled rebound in the 88th. Belgium's captain was out before kickoff. Courtois came off injured. Spain found a way — again. The FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals are locked in and Spain vs France is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated matches of the entire tournament.
Norway vs England tomorrow. Argentina vs Switzerland on Sunday. The best football of FIFA 2026 is happening right now. Stay locked in — and make sure Winbox is where you watch every second of it.
