Spain secured their place in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals by defeating Belgium 2-1 on Friday night in a hard-fought quarter-final. The Spanish team will face France on July 14th for a spot in the final.
Ruiz opens the scoring, De Ketelaere equalizes before the break
Very enterprising from the opening minutes, La Roja gradually took control of the match. After several dangerous situations, including a shot from Lamine Yamal saved by Thibaut Courtois, Spain were rewarded in the 30th minute. Pedro Porro combined with Yamal on the right flank before passing to Dani Olmo. The Spanish midfielder's attempt was saved by Courtois, but Fabián Ruiz followed up perfectly and finished from close range. Castagne tried to clear the ball off the line, but without success. Belgium responded just before halftime with one of their rare chances. In the 41st minute, Timothy Castagne delivered a cross from the right which Charles De Ketelaere headed home at the near post, beating Unai Simón to level the score.
Courtois injured, Belgium loses its captain
Upon returning from the locker room, Spain regained their territorial dominance. Luis de la Fuente's men monopolized possession and launched attack after attack, while Courtois continued to keep his team in the game with several crucial saves. However, the Belgian goalkeeper suffered a left thigh injury on the hour mark. After initial treatment from the medical staff and an attempt to continue playing, he was ultimately forced to leave the pitch in tears, replaced by Senne Lammens in the 71st minute.
Merino secures qualification for Spain
While Belgium continued to resist, Spain finally made the difference two minutes from the end of regulation time. In the 88th minute, Pau Cubarsí tried his luck from just outside the box. Lammens mishandled the ball and spilled it. Mikel Merino immediately pounced to tap it into the net and score the winning goal. The final minutes changed nothing. Spain won 2-1 and continued their journey in this World Cup.
France vs. Spain in the semi-final on July 14th
Thanks to this victory, La Roja has reached the semi-finals of the competition. They will face France, who qualified the previous day after their win against Morocco, in a semi-final to be played on July 14th. This match will pit two of the most impressive teams since the start of the 2026 World Cup against each other, with a place in the final at stake.
