Spain beat Belgium 2-1 to reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals

LOS ANGELES: Spain booked their place in the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating Belgium 2-1 in a closely contested quarter-final at Los Angeles Stadium.

Former world champions Spain took the lead in the 30th minute through Fabián Ruiz, before Charles De Ketelaere equalised for Belgium in the 41st minute.

The goal also ended Spain's impressive run of not conceding a goal during the tournament.

With the match heading towards extra time, Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in the 88th minute, sealing a dramatic victory for Spain and sending them into the last four of the tournament.

Spain have now become the second team to qualify for the World Cup semi-finals, joining France, who secured their place after defeating Morocco in the opening quarter-final.

The two European sides are set to meet in the semi-finals.

The only other time Spain have reached the semi-finals at the World ​Cup was in 2010, when they won the tournament. They came fourth in 1950 when the ​final round was a group stage.