**July.11 (Mirror Sports**) -
Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals after Mikel Merino scored an 88th-minute winner to seal a 2-1 victory over Belgium.
La Roja took the lead in the 30th minute when Fabian Ruiz converted the rebound after Thibaut Courtois denied Dani Olmo's initial effort. Belgium hit back before the break as Charles De Ketelaere headed home Timothy Castagne's cross to level the score at 1-1.
Both sides created chances in an entertaining second half, but Belgium suffered a major blow when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with an injury in the 71st minute. Senne Lammens came on in his place and made several important saves.
Spain finally found the breakthrough two minutes from time when Lammens parried Pau Cubarsí's long-range strike into the path of substitute Mikel Merino, who calmly slotted home the rebound to send Luis de la Fuente's side into the last four.
_**Spain will face France in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals on Tuesday as they continue their bid for world football's biggest prize.**_