Spain 2-1 Belgium: FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarterfinal – As It Happened

Spain left it late, but they got the job done. In a tense FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal at Los Angeles Stadium, Spain defeated Belgium 2-1, with Mikel Merino scoring the decisive goal in the 87th minute to seal a dramatic comeback and set up a semifinal clash with France .

The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, tactical adjustments, and last-minute heroics. Belgium struck first through Amadou Onana, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to put the Red Devils ahead in the 34th minute . Spain responded with relentless pressure, equalizing through Lamine Yamal in the 63rd minute, but it wasn’t until Merino’s late strike that the Spanish side finally broke Belgium’s resistance .

This victory marks Spain’s return to the World Cup semifinals for the first time since 2010, reigniting hopes of a third title. Meanwhile, Belgium’s dream run ends in heartbreak, leaving fans to wonder what might have been if their defense had held firm in the final 15 minutes.

Let’s break down the match as it happened, from the opening whistle to the final whistle, and analyze the key moments that defined this quarterfinal showdown.

Match Overview: Spain vs Belgium – FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarterfinal

Attribute	Detail
Date	July 10, 2026
Kick-off	19:00 local time (Los Angeles)
Venue	Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles
Referee	Michael Oliver (England)
Final Score	Spain 2–1 Belgium
Spain Goals	Lamine Yamal (63'), Mikel Merino (87')
Belgium Goal	Amadou Onana (34')
Next Match	Spain vs France (Semifinal)

The match kicked off under bright stadium lights in Los Angeles, with both teams eager to make their mark in the knockout stage. Spain, known for their fluid attacking play and midfield dominance, faced a Belgium side that had shown resilience and tactical discipline throughout the tournament .

First Half: Belgium Takes Control

The opening 45 minutes were dominated by Belgium’s defensive structure and quick transitions. Spain struggled to find rhythm early, with their usual midfield control disrupted by Belgium’s compact shape.

The breakthrough came in the 34th minute when Amadou Onana scored for Belgium. The goal resulted from a defensive error by Spain’s backline, allowing Onana to slot the ball past the goalkeeper after a well-timed run into the box . The Belgian fans erupted, and the Red Devils looked poised to take a crucial lead into the second half.

Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, made an immediate adjustment, pushing more players forward and instructing his midfield to press higher. But Belgium’s defense held firm, and the first half ended 1-0 in favor of the visitors.

Second Half: Spain’s Comeback Begins

The second half saw Spain come out with renewed intensity. Their attacking trio, led by Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, began to create more chances, testing Belgium’s defense with quick dribbles and precise passing.

The equalizer arrived in the 63rd minute when Lamine Yamal scored a stunning goal. After a clever pass from Pedri, Yamal cut inside the defense and fired a low shot into the bottom corner, leaving the Belgian goalkeeper with no chance . The Spanish crowd roared, and the momentum shifted decisively in their favor.

From that point on, Spain dominated possession, with Belgium struggling to clear their lines. The Spanish midfield, led by Rodri and Pedri, controlled the tempo, while the forwards kept the pressure high.

Late Drama: Merino’s Goal Seals the Win

Despite Spain’s dominance, Belgium held on for much of the second half, with their defense making crucial blocks and their goalkeeper denying several close-range attempts. But in the 87th minute, the breakthrough finally came.

Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal, capitalizing on a defensive mistake by Belgium. After a cross from the right, Merino found himself in a one-on-one situation and calmly finished past the goalkeeper, sending the Spanish fans into a frenzy .

The final minutes were tense, with Belgium pushing for an equalizer, but Spain’s defense held strong. The referee blew the final whistle, confirming Spain’s 2-1 victory and their place in the semifinals.

Key Moments and Tactical Analysis

Spain’s Tactical Shift

Spain’s coach made a crucial adjustment in the second half, pushing more players forward and instructing his midfield to press higher. This change allowed Spain to dominate possession and create more chances, ultimately leading to their comeback .

Belgium’s Defensive Resilience

Belgium’s defense was impressive throughout the match, making crucial blocks and denying several close-range attempts. However, their inability to clear their lines in the final 15 minutes proved costly .

Individual Performances

Lamine Yamal: Scored a stunning equalizer and was a constant threat on the attack.
Mikel Merino: Delivered the decisive goal in the 87th minute, sealing Spain’s victory.
Amadou Onana: Scored Belgium’s only goal, capitalizing on a defensive error.

What This Victory Means for Spain

This win marks Spain’s return to the World Cup semifinals for the first time since 2010, reigniting hopes of a third title. The team’s resilience and tactical flexibility were on full display, and their ability to come from behind in a high-stakes match is a testament to their growth under Luis de la Fuente.

Spain will now face France in the semifinals, a match that promises to be another thrilling encounter between two of the world’s best teams. The French side, led by Kylian Mbappé, will be a formidable opponent, but Spain’s confidence and momentum make them a dangerous contender.

Belgium’s Heartbreak and What’s Next

For Belgium, this loss is a bitter end to their World Cup journey. The Red Devils showed resilience and tactical discipline throughout the tournament, but their inability to hold on to their lead in the final 15 minutes proved costly.

Belgium will now regroup and focus on the future, with young talents like Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga poised to lead the team in upcoming tournaments. The loss will be a learning experience, and the team will look to build on this performance in the years to come.

Final Thoughts

The Spain vs Belgium quarterfinal was a match that will be remembered for its drama, tension, and last-minute heroics. Spain’s comeback victory was a testament to their resilience and tactical flexibility, while Belgium’s loss highlighted the importance of holding on to leads in high-stakes matches.

As the tournament moves into the semifinals, fans can expect more thrilling encounters, with Spain and France set to face off in a match that promises to be another highlight of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

What did you think of Spain’s comeback victory? Did Belgium’s defense hold up well enough, or were there moments where they could have done better? Share your thoughts in the comments below.