Arsenal's Mikel Merino emerged as the decisive player once again, scoring a crucial late goal that secured a 2-1 victory for Spain over Belgium in the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Friday.
With just two minutes remaining, Merino, who had already netted the winning goal in the round of 16 against Portugal, took advantage of a rebound from Belgium's backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens, finishing it into the top of the net and propelling Spain into the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup for only the second time in their history.
Lammens was only on the field due to first-choice keeper Thibaut Courtois being substituted with a suspected injury in the 71st minute. The Manchester United goalkeeper should have managed to save Pau Cubarsi’s long-range effort, which he could only parry into the path of the advancing Merino.
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Spain's manager Luis de la Fuente made a significant alteration to his starting eleven against Belgium, opting for Fabián Ruiz instead of Pedri. This decision paid dividends shortly after the first-half hydration break when Ruiz capitalized on a rebound to put Spain ahead.
Even though Spain controlled much of the first half, Belgium equalized in the 41st minute when Timothy Castagne delivered a superb cross for Charles De Ketelaere, who headed the ball past Unai Simón, before Merino clinched the late winner.
This victory allowed Spain to stretch their unbeaten streak to a new team record of 36 matches, just one shy of Italy’s all-time record of 37.
