FIFA World Cup 2026: Merino books Spain semi-final with France

Surprise starter Fabian Ruiz and late replacement Mikel Merino slotted home rebounds to secure Spain victory over Belgium in their FIFA World Cup 2026™ quarter-final at Los Angeles Stadium.

Luis de la Fuente’s side will now face France at Dallas Stadium in one of the biggest semi-finals in World Cup history.

Ruiz, who unexpectedly started at the expense of Pedri, broke the deadlock after Thibaut Courtois had repelled Dani Olmo’s shot. The electrifying Lamine Yamal cut inside and flashed an attempt narrowly wide, before Belgium struck back on the break’s brink.

An intuitive Kevin De Bruyne pass freed Timothy Castagne, whose excellent cross was headed home by Charles De Ketelaere, who had craftily crept onside.

The great Courtois went off injured in the 71st minute. When his replacement, Senne Lammens, failed to hold a Pau Cubarsi drive from distance, Merino, who had been on the pitch merely minutes, lashed home the loose ball to settle the match.

The moment was as excruciating for Lammens as it was exhilarating for Merino, coming up clutch again after also scoring a late winner in victory over Portugal in the last round. He had only been on the pitch for 117 seconds, scoring with just his second touch.

Spain had been breached for the first time at this World Cup in the first half, when makeshift No 9 Charles De Ketelaere headed Timothy Castagne’s teasing cross beyond Unai Simon to cancel out a well-worked opener from Fabian Ruiz.

But Luis de la Fuente’s side were not to be denied, Merino, so often Arsenal’s saviour, refusing to stand down. For club and country, he continues to offer solutions in big moments, his only touch in the Belgium box resulting in the decisive goal.

Spain remain unbeaten since March 2023, a remarkable streak of 37 matches, and will play tournament favourites France in a tantalising tie in Texas on Tuesday for the right to contest the final. De la Fuente has now managed more games at major tournaments without losing than any other international manager (13). (Skysports)