Spain eliminates Belgium 2-1 to reach World Cup semifinals

Spain advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals following a 2-1 victory over Belgium on Friday, 10 July 2026, in Inglewood, California. The result, secured by an 88th-minute strike from Mikel Merino, keeps Spain on track, while marking a likely definitive end to the era of Belgium's golden generation.

The quarterfinal encounter was defined by a series of physical setbacks for the Belgian side. Captain Youri Tielemans was scratched from the starting lineup after sustaining a hamstring injury during pre-game warmups, forcing Hans Vanaken into the starting XI. This compounded earlier roster concerns for Belgium, who were already competing without Amadou Onana following his tournament-ending knee ligament injury against the United States in the previous round.

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Spain opened the scoring in the 30th minute through Fabian Ruiz, who capitalized on a rebound after Thibaut Courtois parried an initial shot from Dani Olmo. Belgium responded in the 41st minute when Charles De Ketelaere headed home a cross from Timothy Castagne.

The turning point arrived in the second half when Courtois, the veteran Real Madrid goalkeeper, signaled for medical attention due to a thigh injury sustained during a goal kick. Despite an initial attempt to continue, Courtois was substituted in the 71st minute. His emotional exit—captured by television cameras as he walked to the bench in tears—signaled a major loss of experience for the Red Devils.

"I wanted to continue, but the coach wanted someone 100%. I wanted to try to play maybe 5-10 more minutes because, in goal, I was feeling good, I was making saves and I was not disturbed to make those saves. I was only disturbed to kick long."

Thibaut Courtois, via Yahoo Sports

Senne Lammens, the 24-year-old Manchester United goalkeeper, entered the match. In the 88th minute, Lammens spilled a long-range shot from Pau Cubarsí, leaving the ball in the penalty area. Merino, who had entered as a substitute, pounced on the rebound to net the decisive goal. It marked the second consecutive match in which Merino scored a late winner for Spain, following his decisive goal against Portugal in the Round of 16.

Belgian head coach Rudi Garcia expressed frustration with the accumulation of setbacks, stating, The ducks just weren’t in a row. Following the match, Courtois publicly supported his replacement, telling reporters that the error should not be blamed on the younger goalkeeper and that such moments are part of the learning process in professional football.

The result sets up a semifinal match between Spain and France, scheduled for 14 July 2026, in Dallas. For Spain, the challenge represents a clash between France and the Spanish defensive unit.

World Cup Semifinal Outlook

• Match: Spain vs. France
• Location: Dallas
• Date: 14 July 2026

For Belgium, the match likely signals a transition period. With veterans including Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Axel Witsel advancing in age, many observers suggest the team has reached the end of a long-standing cycle. While De Bruyne has indicated he does not intend to retire from international duty immediately, the departure of the core group leaves the future composition of the Belgian squad uncertain for the 2030 cycle. The team departs the tournament having reached the quarterfinals or further in three of the last four World Cups.