Spain vs Belgium 2-1 Highlights: Merino Late Winner | World Cup 2026

by Movie Maniac - July 12, 2026

Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in a dramatic 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal clash at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Super-sub Mikel Merino scored an 88th-minute winner to break the deadlock and book Spain a spot in the semifinals against France.

Match Timeline & Goals

30' | Goal: Spain 1 - 0 Belgium (Fabián Ruiz)
Pedro Porro played a crisp one-two with Lamine Yamal and zipped a low ball into the box. Dani Olmo's initial strike was parried away by Thibaut Courtois, but an alert Fabián Ruiz pounced on the rebound to open the scoring.
41' | Goal: Spain 1 - 1 Belgium (Charles De Ketelaere)
Belgium answered right before the half. Kevin De Bruyne threaded a signature pass out wide to Timothy Castagne, whose pinpoint cross allowed Charles De Ketelaere to ghost past the defense and bury an excellent header.
71' | Injury Drama (Thibaut Courtois exits)
Belgium's heroic goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off the field in tears with an injury, bringing 23-year-old backup Senne Lammens into the high-stakes match.
88' | Goal: Spain 2 - 1 Belgium (Mikel Merino)
Pau Cubarsí unleashed a long-range shot that bounced awkwardly in front of Lammens. The young substitute keeper spilled the ball, and Mikel Merino reactively lashed home the loose rebound just two minutes after being substituted onto the pitch.