Spain secured their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup on Friday evening after beating Belgium 2-1 in Los Angeles. The European champion will fight for a place in the grand final against France, in a duel scheduled for July 14, starting at 22:00 Romanian time.
The second semi-final will be determined after the last two quarter-finals, England – Norway and Argentina – Switzerland. The match in the penultimate act is scheduled for July 15, from 22:00 (Romanian time), in Atlanta.
Goals and controversial phases in the first half of the match
The European champions, Spain, started the match in Los Angeles strongly and Rodri had a shot blocked in the 10th minute, then the Iberians asked for a penalty in the 13th minute, when the ball sent by Alex Baena hit Ngoy in the hand, but the referee did not award anything. Yamal shot from a distance in the 32nd minute, but missed the goal, so that in the 30th minute the Spaniards opened the scoring. Courtois rejected Dani Olmo’s shot, but the ball reached Fabian Ruiz and he sent it into the net. Courtois intervened well on Yamal’s free kick five minutes later, but the Belgians did not give up the fight and De Ketelaere equalized with a header from Castagne’s cross in the 41st minute, according to news.ro.
Merino’s goal sent Spain into the semi-finals
In the second half, Yamal couldn’t beat Courtois, in the 49th minute, then came De Cuyper’s opportunity, in the 55th minute. His students from de la Fuente also looked for the goal through Yamal, in the 61st minute, and Ferran Torres, in the 71st minute, but Belgium lost Courtois, injured and substituted.
De la Fuente had a moment of inspiration and once again called on the services of Mikel Merino, and the Arsenal player scored the winner just two minutes after coming on. It was a shot from distance by Cubarsi, Lammens deflected in front and Merino scored. Spain prevailed 2-1, also eliminated Belgium, after sending home Portugal, and in the semi-finals of the World Cup they will face France, the world vice-champion.
