FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain edge past Belgium 2-1, set up semifinal clash with Mbappe-led France

Spain secured a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Belgium. The win sets up a highly anticipated clash against a formidable France team in the last four.

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Spain booked their place in the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Belgium, setting up a blockbuster last-four clash against France.

Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring for Spain, capitalizing on a rebound after Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois parried Dani Olmo's shot. Spain continued to press, with Lamine Yamal delivering a lively performance that earned him the Player of the Match award. Belgium managed to equalize just before halftime when Charles De Ketelaere headed home a cross from Timothy Castagne, ending Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon's impressive run of 560 consecutive World Cup minutes without conceding.

Belgium suffered a significant blow in the 71st minute when Courtois was forced off with an apparent injury, replaced by Senne Lammens. Soon after, Lammens was beaten by a long-range effort from Pau Cubarsi, allowing substitute Mikel Merino to score the winning goal for Spain. This victory extended Spain's unbeaten streak to 36 matches, drawing them level with Argentina's record and bringing them close to Italy's world record of 37 consecutive unbeaten games.

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The goal also ended Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon's remarkable run of 560 consecutive World Cup minutes without conceding, surpassing the previous tournament record of 517 minutes set by Italy's Walter Zenga in 1990.

Meanwhile, France advanced to the semifinals by defeating Morocco 2-0, with captain Kylian Mbappe scoring again. Mbappe's goal marked his 20th in the tournament, making him the fastest player to reach this milestone and the youngest to achieve 20 World Cup appearances. He is now level with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race and holds the record for the most match-winning goals in World Cup history. Mbappe also became the first French player to be directly involved in 100 international goals, with 64 goals and 36 assists for Les Bleus.

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For Les Blues, skipper Kylian Mbappe continued his brilliant FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign by scoring in France's 2-0 quarterfinal victory over Morocco, helping Les Bleus reach the semi-finals.