"Revenge after 40 years!" → "France, here we come!" 'Mikel Merino's winning goal' Spain beats Belgium 2-1, 'Golden Generation goodbye', advances to semifinals

Spain, led by head coach Luis de la Fuente of the Spanish World Cup national team, defeated Belgium 2-1 in the quarterfinals of the 2026 North America World Cup held at Los Angeles Stadium in the United States on July 11 at 2:00 AM (local time). With this victory, Spain continues its challenge for the championship for the first time in 16 years since 2010. In the semifinals, they will face 'title contender' France. The two teams will clash at Dallas Stadium in the United States on the 15th.

Spain utilized a 4-2-3-1 formation. Mikel Oyarzabal played as the lone striker. Alex Baena, Dani Olmo, and Lamine Yamal were positioned in the second line. Fabián Ruiz and Rodri formed the double pivot in midfield. The defense consisted of Marc Cucurella, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsí, and Pedro Porro. Unai Simón wore the goalkeeper gloves.

Belgium also used a 4-2-3-1 formation. Charles De Ketelaere led the attack. Jérémy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Leandro Trossard supported from behind. Nicolas Raskin and Hans Vanaken started as defensive midfielders. The back four included Maxim De Cuyper, Brandon Mechele, and Timothy Castagne. Thibaut Courtois guarded the goal.


The two teams clashed on the World Cup stage for the first time in 40 years since 1986. There were some changes. Spain started Fabián Ruiz instead of Pedri as the defensive midfielder. Belgium had injury issues. In the previous match, Amadou Onana was injured and left, and Youri Tielemans also stayed on the bench due to an injury just before the match.

Spain increased ball possession with their trademark 'tiki-taka' and pressed the opponent. Belgium focused on increasing defensive numbers to block Spain's attacks. Spain created attacking routes through Yamal on the right, while Belgium used Doku on the left.

After the water break in the first half, the 'zero' balance was broken. Spain smiled. They finally broke through the opponent's right flank. Porro passed a short ball to Yamal, who then delivered it to Olmo. Olmo's powerful shot was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper's save, but the following Ruiz grabbed the rebound and completed the goal. Spain took a 1-0 lead.

Belgium did not back down easily. In the 41st minute of the first half, they ended Spain's five-match clean sheet streak. Belgium also targeted the opponent's right side. Castagne's cross was met by De Ketelaere with a surprise header to equalize. The first half ended 1-1.


The second half unfolded in a similar pattern. Spain made the first substitution. In the 55th minute, they replaced Ruiz and Baena with Pedri and Ferran Torres. Belgium also made changes in the 60th minute, substituting Vanaken, Trossard, and De Cuyper with Romelu Lukaku, Axel Witsel, and Joaquin Seys simultaneously.

The tempo of both teams' attacks quickened. Spain's Yamal led the attack, while Belgium's 'super sub' Lukaku stepped up. A major variable occurred for Belgium. Goalkeeper Courtois collapsed clutching his left thigh. Fortunately, he seemed to return after receiving treatment during the second-half water break, but he was immediately replaced by Senne Lammens. Courtois shed tears as he retreated to the bench.


Spain did not miss the opportunity. They replaced Oyarzabal with Nico Williams to change their attack. By putting Yamal and Williams together, they increased the pace. In the 86th minute, both teams made substitutions. It was a decisive move. Belgium replaced De Bruyne with
Alexis Saelemaekers, and Spain replaced Olmo with Mikel Merino.

Spain's card hit the mark. In the 88th minute, Cubarsí's long-range shot was saved by Lammens. However, Merino rushed onto the rebound and scored with his left foot. Spain turned the game around 2-1. A fierce battle ensued between Spain trying to hold on and Belgium trying to chase. Spain prevailed in the end. Spain secured a 2-1 victory.