Spain continued their impressive FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in the quarter-finals, booking their place in the semi-finals after another composed and resilient performance.

According to GhanaRegions.com sports analyst, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, the match featured two technically gifted teams determined to reach the last four.

Spain struck first through Fabián Ruiz, Belgium responded before halftime with Charles De Ketelaere, but substitute Mikel Merino delivered the decisive blow with a late winner in the 88th minute.

Final Score

Spain 2-1 Belgium

Goals

• 30′ – Fabián Ruiz (Spain)
• 41′ – Charles De Ketelaere (Belgium)
• 88′ – Mikel Merino (Spain)

Spain advanced to the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals, where they will face France.

Watch Spain vs Belgium (2:1) Match Highlights

First Half

Spain controlled possession from the opening whistle, using quick passing and intelligent movement to stretch Belgium’s defensive shape.

Their pressure finally paid off in the 30th minute.

Midfielder Fabián Ruiz finished a well-worked attacking move to give Spain a deserved 1-0 lead after dominating much of the opening half-hour.

Belgium refused to panic.

Instead, they gradually settled into the contest and began attacking with greater confidence.

Their equalizer arrived in the 41st minute when Charles De Ketelaere rose superbly to head home from Timothy Castagne’s excellent cross.

The goal was particularly significant because it became the first goal Spain had conceded during the tournament.

The teams went into halftime level at 1-1, setting up an exciting second half.

 

Second Half

The second half developed into a tactical battle.

Spain enjoyed more possession, but Belgium defended with discipline and looked dangerous whenever Kevin De Bruyne and De Ketelaere launched quick attacks.

Spain continued creating opportunities through the brilliance of Lamine Yamal, whose pace and creativity repeatedly stretched Belgium’s defense.

As extra time appeared increasingly likely, Spain found their breakthrough.

In the 88th minute, Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who had replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois, was unable to hold onto a powerful effort.

The loose ball fell kindly for Mikel Merino, who reacted quickest to score the winning goal and send Spain into the semi-finals.

Belgium pushed forward desperately during stoppage time, but Spain defended calmly to secure a memorable 2-1 victory.

 

Complete Match Analysis

Spain Controlled the Game Through Possession

Spain once again demonstrated why they are among the favorites to win the FIFA World Cup.

Their midfield dictated possession throughout the match, patiently moving the ball while forcing Belgium to defend for extended periods.

Rather than relying on individual brilliance alone, Spain’s attack was built on collective movement, intelligent positioning, and quick passing combinations.

Although Belgium equalized before halftime, Spain never abandoned their tactical identity.

Their patience eventually produced the decisive winning goal.

 

Belgium Made Spain Work for Every Opportunity

Belgium deserve enormous credit for their performance.

Despite missing important midfield players through injury, they remained competitive throughout the contest.

Charles De Ketelaere delivered an outstanding performance, while Kevin De Bruyne continued to create dangerous opportunities with his passing and vision.

Belgium defended courageously and were only undone by a late rebound that fell perfectly for Mikel Merino.

The scoreline reflected how closely contested the match truly was.

 

Why Spain Won the Match

1. Midfield Dominance

Spain’s midfield controlled possession for long stretches.

Their ability to recycle the ball and dictate the tempo prevented Belgium from launching sustained periods of pressure.

 

2. Lamine Yamal’s Constant Threat

Although he did not score, Lamine Yamal was one of the game’s most influential players.

His dribbling, acceleration, and creativity consistently forced Belgium’s defenders into difficult situations and helped Spain create numerous attacking opportunities. He was widely recognized as one of the standout performers.

 

3. Mikel Merino Delivered Again

Merino once again proved decisive in a knockout match.

Coming off the bench, he showed excellent awareness by following up the rebound and scoring the winning goal with only minutes remaining.

Big players often define big games, and Merino did exactly that.

 

4. Spain Stayed Calm Under Pressure

Conceding their first goal of the tournament could have disrupted Spain’s confidence.

Instead, they remained composed, trusted their style of play, and continued searching for the winning goal rather than becoming rushed.

That maturity highlighted the experience within Luis de la Fuente’s squad.

 

5. Clinical Finishing at the Key Moment

Both teams created opportunities.

The difference was Spain’s ability to capitalize on the decisive moment late in the match.

Merino’s finish ensured Spain made the most of their final clear chance.

 

Why Belgium Were Eliminated

Belgium’s performance contained many positives, but several factors contributed to their exit.

• They struggled to maintain possession against Spain’s relentless passing game.
• Injuries affected squad depth, particularly after Thibaut Courtois had to leave the match.
• They spent long periods defending inside their own half.
• Spain generated more sustained attacking pressure.
• The rebound leading to Merino’s goal proved to be the defining moment.

 

Standout Players

Mikel Merino (Spain)

The substitute became Spain’s hero once again by scoring the winning goal in the closing minutes, continuing his remarkable habit of producing decisive moments in knockout football.

Fabián Ruiz (Spain)

Ruiz opened the scoring and controlled the midfield with intelligent passing and composure throughout the match.

Lamine Yamal (Spain)

The teenage star constantly challenged Belgium’s defense with his speed, creativity, and confidence on the ball, earning widespread praise for his performance.

Charles De Ketelaere (Belgium)

Belgium’s best attacking player scored an excellent first-half equalizer and consistently threatened Spain’s defense.

Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)

The experienced midfielder orchestrated Belgium’s attacks with his vision and passing, but Spain’s compact defensive structure limited his influence in the decisive moments.

 

Tactical Breakdown

Spain

• Dominated possession.
• Controlled the midfield.
• Created consistent pressure through wide areas.
• Maintained composure after conceding.
• Capitalized on a late rebound to secure victory.

Belgium

• Defended with discipline.
• Dangerous on counterattacks.
• Strong aerial threat from De Ketelaere.
• Battled until the final whistle.
• Missed the clinical edge required in the closing stages.

Spain’s 2-1 victory over Belgium showcased why they remain one of the strongest teams at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

La Roja combined technical quality, tactical discipline, and mental resilience to overcome a determined Belgian side that refused to give up. Goals from Fabián Ruiz and Mikel Merino ultimately proved enough to send Spain into the semi-finals, while Belgium exited the tournament with credit for pushing one of the competition’s favorites until the final minutes.

With confidence growing and key players such as Lamine Yamal, Fabián Ruiz, and Mikel Merino producing outstanding performances, Spain now heads into the semi-finals believing another World Cup title is within reach.