Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup semifinals after surviving a determined Belgian challenge in Los Angeles. The dramatic Spain vs Belgium quarterfinal ended 2-1, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring an 88th-minute winner when extra time appeared increasingly likely.
La Roja controlled long periods through intelligent possession and coordinated pressing, but Belgium repeatedly demonstrated why they had reached the last eight. Charles De Ketelaere cancelled out Fabián Ruiz’s opener before Spain’s patience and squad depth eventually decided the contest.
If you love dramatic World Cup comebacks, don’t miss our full Argentina vs Egypt coverage, where the defending champions overturned a two-goal deficit to keep their title dream alive.
Spain Establish Control but Belgium Refuse to Fold
Spain began with confidence, moving the ball quickly through midfield and stretching Belgium’s defensive structure. Rodri provided control from deeper areas, while Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal searched for openings around the penalty area.
The pressure produced a breakthrough in the 30th minute. Thibaut Courtois blocked Olmo’s initial effort, but Fabián Ruiz reacted quickest to the rebound and converted to give Spain a deserved lead.
Belgium’s response revealed their resilience. Rather than retreat after conceding, they increased their attacking intensity and found an equaliser in the 41st minute. Timothy Castagne delivered from the right, allowing De Ketelaere to guide a header beyond Unai Simón.
The goal also ended Spain’s lengthy run without conceding at the tournament. More importantly, it transformed the quarterfinal into a genuine tactical contest rather than another controlled Spanish victory.
For another nerve-shredding knockout story, read how Switzerland survived a tense penalty shootout against Colombia to secure a historic World Cup quarter-final place.
Goalkeeper Drama Changes the Spain vs Belgium Battle
Belgium suffered a significant setback during the second half when Courtois was forced to leave the pitch through injury. The experienced goalkeeper had already produced several important interventions, and his departure placed young replacement Senne Lammens under immediate pressure.
Spain responded by increasing the tempo. Their midfielders circulated possession patiently, while their wide players attempted to isolate Belgium’s defenders. The Red Devils remained compact and continued threatening through direct attacks, but Spain gradually pushed them deeper.
Luis de la Fuente then turned to his bench, introducing Merino to offer greater physical presence around the penalty area. That decision proved decisive in the 88th minute.
Pau Cubarsí drove an effort toward goal, Lammens failed to gather it cleanly, and Merino reacted sharply to finish the loose ball. The substitute’s instinctive strike sent Spanish supporters into celebration and left Belgium with almost no time to recover.
Why Spain’s Victory Matters
The result confirmed Spain’s return to the World Cup semifinals and strengthened their status as serious title contenders. They have shown multiple ways to win during the knockout rounds: dominating Austria, edging Portugal and now overcoming Belgium through a late decisive moment.
Their greatest strength may be the quality available beyond the starting lineup. Merino changed the quarterfinal from the bench, proving that Spain can find solutions even when their preferred passing patterns do not immediately unlock an organised defence.
Belgium leave the tournament disappointed but with credibility restored. Their 4-1 victory over the United States and competitive display against Spain showed that this team still possesses considerable attacking talent. However, the defeat also highlighted how small defensive errors become decisive at the highest level.
France Awaits in a Blockbuster Semifinal
Spain will now meet France on July 14 for a place in the World Cup final. France advanced after defeating Morocco 2-0, with Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé providing the goals.
The semifinal offers a fascinating contrast. Spain will attempt to dominate possession through Rodri, Pedri and their technically gifted attackers, while France will look to exploit space with their exceptional speed in transition.
One Late Touch Changes Spain’s World Cup Journey
The Spain vs Belgium quarterfinal demonstrated that control alone does not guarantee survival in knockout football. Spain needed composure, patience and an alert substitute to escape a tense contest.
Merino’s late goal now carries La Roja into a heavyweight meeting with France, where their tactical intelligence and squad depth will face their most demanding test yet.
Readers seeking official match highlights, confirmed lineups, and complete tournament statistics can follow FIFA’s official coverage of Spain vs Belgium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Spain vs Belgium quarterfinal?
Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 after Mikel Merino scored a dramatic late winner in Los Angeles.
Who scored Spain’s goals against Belgium?
Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring before substitute Mikel Merino delivered the decisive 88th-minute goal.
Who scored Belgium’s goal against Spain?
Charles De Ketelaere equalised with a first-half header following an accurate cross from Timothy Castagne.
Why did Thibaut Courtois leave the match?
Courtois suffered an injury during the second half and was replaced by goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Who will Spain face in the semifinal?
Spain will meet France after Les Bleus secured a controlled 2-0 quarterfinal victory over Morocco.
When did Mikel Merino score the winning goal?
Merino scored in the 88th minute after reacting quickly to a goalkeeper error inside the penalty area.