Spain Edges Belgium 2-1 in Thrilling World Cup Quarter-Final

Spain has booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Belgium. Super-sub Mikel Merino proved to be the hero for the Spanish side, netting a crucial late goal that broke Belgian hearts and sealed their progression to the next stage of the tournament.

The gripping quarter-final encounter, held in Inglewood, saw both nations battle intensely for a coveted spot in the semi-finals. Spain will now face France in what promises to be a titanic clash for a place in the final.

Por que importa

The match’s decisive moment came late in the second half, with Merino’s introduction proving instrumental. His goal ensured Spain’s continued journey in the prestigious tournament, while Belgium’s World Cup dreams were extinguished.

Key facts
| Detail | Information |
|—|—|
| Match | FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter-Final |
| Result | Spain 2-1 Belgium |
| Goalscorer (Spain) | Mikel Merino (winner) |
| Next Opponent (Spain) | France |
| Venue | Inglewood |

Contexto

This victory is a significant step for Spain in their pursuit of World Cup glory. The team’s ability to secure a win in a tightly contested knockout match, particularly with a decisive contribution from a substitute, highlights their depth and resilience. For fans of international football, this result sets up a highly anticipated semi-final showdown between two European powerhouses.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues to deliver thrilling moments, with other quarter-final fixtures also generating considerable excitement. Reports from Kansas City and Miami indicate upcoming high-stakes matches, including Argentina’s clash with Switzerland, featuring Lionel Messi, and a compelling encounter between England and Norway, where Erling Haaland will be a key figure for the Scandinavian side. Meanwhile, France has already secured their semi-final spot, with Kylian Mbappe scoring his eighth goal of the tournament in their victory over Morocco.

Source: Asian Football Confederation – https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup.html/news/q-final-spain-2-1-belgium

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