Spain advanced to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup after a thrilling 2-1 win against Belgium. Paris Saint Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring for Spain in the 30th minute by capitalizing on a rebound off a save by Belgium's goalkeeper Thibaud Courtois. Belgium equalized 11 minutes later through a powerful header by De Ketelaere, ending Spain's remarkable run of 649 minutes without conceding a goal at the World Cup.

The second half proved challenging for Belgium, especially after their star keeper Courtois suffered a thigh injury and was substituted in the 77th minute, visibly emotional as he left the pitch. Manchester United's Senne Lammens replaced him but was unable to hold onto a Spanish shot, allowing Mikel Merino to score the winning goal just 100 seconds after coming on as a substitute, replicating his clutch performance from the match against Portugal.

This victory marks only Spain's second World Cup semi-final appearance, the first being in 2010 when they went on to win the tournament. Spain will now face France in what promises to be a blockbuster semi-final encounter.

Sources