Spain set up a blockbuster clash against France in the semifinal of the World Cup after sealing a narrow 2-1 win over Belgium in their quarterfinal clash.
The European champions had defeated Portugal 1-0 in their Round of 16 clash, while Belgium were 4-1 winners over co-host United States in their own encounter.
Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring in the first half, but Belgium hit back through De Ketelaere. However, Merino had the final say on the clash with the winner few minutes from time to send them through to the last four.
First half: De Ketelaere cancels out Ruiz’s opener
Spain made one notable change to the side that defeated Portugal, with Pedri dropping to the bench for Ruiz. Belgium, meanwhile, saw a late change as captain Youri Tielemans suffered an injury in warmup and was replaced by Hans Vanaken.
Lamine Yamal fired an attempt wide in the early stages of the clash before Spain took the lead as Ruiz was on hand to fire home after Thibaut Courtois had saved an effort from Dsni Olmo.
Yamal then hit the side-netting once more but Belgium struck back before halftime as Spain conceded for the first time at the 2026 World Cup.
De Ketelaere headed home a cross from Castagne past Unai Simon, drawing the Red Devils level heading into the halftime break.
Second half: Merino scores late winner
Yamal had another attempt off target early in the second half, before De Cuyper wasted a glorious chance to give his side the lead.
Barcelona winger Yamal was proving too much to handle for Belgium and was denied twice again by Courtois before the Real Madrid goalkeeper had to come off with an injury and was replaced by Senne Lammens.
Just like he had done in the win over Portugal, Merino came off the bench to score again, reacting quickest to a rebound after Lammens had spilled an effort from Pau Cubarsi.
The match ended 2-1 as Spain marched on to the next round of the World Cup.
What’s next?
Spain will now face France in a repeat of the 2024 European Championships semifinals on July 14 in Dallas for a spot in the final.
