Spain reached the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup with a 2-1 quarter-final win over Belgium in Los Angeles, settled by Mikel Merino's 88th-minute strike.
Fabian Ruiz gave Spain a 30th-minute lead, drilling in after Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had stopped Dani Olmo's effort. Charles De Ketelaere headed Belgium level four minutes before the break, the first goal Spain had conceded in the tournament.
With the tie heading for extra time, Belgium substitute keeper Senne Lammens - brought on for the injured Courtois - fumbled Pau Cubarsi's 25-yard effort, and Merino pounced to plant the rebound into the roof of the net from close range. The Arsenal midfielder had been on the pitch for only 117 seconds after replacing Olmo, having also scored a 91st-minute winner against Portugal in the last 16.