Spain secured a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging Belgium 2-1 in a thrilling quarter-final clash in Los Angeles.
Fabian Ruiz handed Spain the lead midway through the first half, but Belgium responded before the break as Charles De Ketelaere equalised to leave the teams level at halftime.
Belgium suffered a major setback in the second half when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off through injury and replaced by Senne Lammens.
Spain eventually found the breakthrough in the 87th minute. Lammens failed to hold a powerful effort from Cristhian Curbasí, allowing the rebound to fall kindly to substitute Mikel Merino, who calmly slotted home the winner.
The hard-fought victory sends Spain into the semi-finals, where they will face France for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
