Spain recorded a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in the World Cup quarter-final, relying on an 88th-minute strike from Mikel Merino to stay unbeaten in the tournament and move into the semi-finals. The tight knockout clash remained level deep into the second half before the late goal broke the deadlock and settled the contest.
The match opened with Spain taking the initiative on the scoreboard. Fabian Ruiz struck in the 30th minute, giving his team a first-half lead and briefly tilting the balance of the quarter-final. Belgium responded before the break, as De Ketelaere found the equaliser in the 41st minute to bring the game back to 1-1 and send both sides into halftime on level terms.
After the restart, the duel evolved into a tense battle, with the quarter-final finely poised and every attack carrying weight for a place in the last four of the World Cup. The scoreline remained unchanged until the closing stages, when Merino delivered the decisive blow in the 88th minute. His late winner not only eliminated Belgium but also extended Spain's unbeaten run at the 2026 World Cup, keeping their campaign alive heading into the semi-finals.
