Spain defeats Belgium 2-1 to reach World Cup semifinals, will face France

Spain, the "Invincible Armada," has advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Belgium 2-1 in a tense quarterfinal match. The victory sets up a highly anticipated clash with France, who eliminated Morocco in their own quarterfinal.

The Spanish team secured their place in the final four with goals from Fabián Ruiz in the 30th minute and Mikel Merino in the 88th minute. This marks Spain's first semifinal appearance in 16 years, dating back to their triumphant 2010 World Cup win, as they pursue their second title.

Belgium, making their first quarterfinal appearance since 2014, struggled to overcome Spain's offense. Despite a goal from Charles De Ketelaere, his second consecutive match finding the net, Belgium could not prevent Spain from taking the lead and ultimately securing the win. De Ketelaere's equalizer in the 41st minute had temporarily leveled the score after Ruiz's opener.

The match, held in Los Angeles, saw both teams utilize substitutions in an effort to break the deadlock. Spain's late surge, with Merino scoring the decisive goal from a rebound after a long-range shot, proved too much for Belgium to overcome in the closing minutes. Spain will now face France in the semifinals on July 15th.