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Substitute Mikel Merino struck a decisive 88th-minute winner as Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals, securing their passage to the semi-finals for the first time in 16 years.
Spain advanced to the World Cup semi-finals after Mikel Merino scored a dramatic late winner against Belgium, who were hampered by injuries to key players including captain Youri Tielemans and midfielder Amadou Onana.
Spain advanced to the World Cup semi-finals with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium on Friday, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring the decisive goal in the 88th minute at Los Angeles Stadium.