Merino's 88th-Minute Strike Sends Spain Past Belgium and Into World Cup Semifinals

The substitute's late goal sealed a 2-1 quarterfinal win and a semifinal date with France, Spain's first appearance at that stage since 2010.

Spain advanced from the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals with a 2-1 victory over Belgium, the decisive moment arriving when substitute Mikel Merino scored in the 88th minute. The result ends a long wait for the Spanish side, which last reached the final four in 2010.

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