Merino Scores Late Winner as Spain Defeats Belgium 2-1 to Reach World Cup Semifinals

Mikel Merino once again proved to be Spain's hero, scoring a dramatic 88th-minute goal to seal a 2-1 victory against Belgium in the World Cup 2026 quarterfinals. The win propels La Roja into the semifinals, setting up a clash with France.

Merino, an Arsenal midfielder, showcased his "supersub" status by scoring the decisive goal just 117 seconds after entering the match. This crucial strike marked his second consecutive game-winning goal, following his 91st-minute winner against Portugal in the Round of 16.

The match was heading towards extra time with the score tied 1-1 when Merino intervened. A long-range shot from Pau Cubarsi was mishandled by Belgium's substitute goalkeeper, Senne Lammens, allowing Merino to pounce on the rebound and fire it into the top corner.

Spain had initially taken the lead in the 30th minute through Dani Olmo, whose initial shot was saved by Thibaut Courtois, only for Fabian Ruiz to convert the rebound. Belgium equalized four minutes before halftime with a header from Charles De Ketelaere, ending Spain's impressive 649-minute clean sheet streak in the tournament.

Belgium pressed for a winner and had a penalty appeal denied. However, the game shifted when Courtois sustained a muscle injury in the 71st minute and was replaced by Lammens. The young goalkeeper's subsequent error proved costly, as Merino capitalized to secure Spain's place in the semifinals.