10 July 2026

Mikel Merino played a decisive role as Spain overcame Belgium in the 2026 World Cup quarter-final, sealing a thrilling win that sets up a mouth-watering semi-final against France.

The match at Los Angeles Stadium began at a high tempo, and it was Spain who broke the deadlock after a swift move down the right flank. Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro combined neatly, exchanging a slick one-two to outmanoeuvre Jeremy Doku. Porro then sent in a precise cross that found Dani Olmo inside the box. Thibaut Courtois managed to block Olmo’s shot but could only parry it into the path of Fabian Ruiz, who calmly slotted home.

Belgium equalised just before half-time through Charles De Ketelaere. The forward met a pinpoint cross from Timothy Castagne and displayed great strength to hold off Pau Cubarsi before heading the ball past Unai Simon.

While Belgium had previously benefited from impactful substitutions in this tournament, it was Spain’s turn to find a match-winning substitute. Pau Cubarsi unleashed a powerful shot from distance that substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold, and Mikel Merino reacted quickest to tuck the rebound home with his very first touch.

With Spain and France now confirmed in the semi-finals, the World Cup’s final four are taking shape, with England set to face Norway in the next quarter-final on Saturday evening.

Here are the player ratings from this second World Cup quarter-final encounter:

Unai Simon, 6: Could do little to prevent Belgium’s equaliser and conceded for the first time in the 2026 World Cup.

Pedro Porro, 7: Energetic and aggressive both defensively and offensively, relentless in his duels with Doku.

Pau Cubarsi, 5: Delivered a fine long pass to Baena but was overpowered by De Ketelaere for the equaliser and received a needless booking for a foul on De Bruyne.

Aymeric Laporte, 6: Battled well with Lukaku throughout and made a crucial late clearance to preserve Spain’s lead.

Marc Cucurella, 6: Supported Baena effectively on the overlap and was reliable at the back.

Rodri, 6: Tested the goalkeeper with a fierce shot after a pass from Ruiz and provided defensive cover for Yamal’s advanced runs.

Fabian Ruiz, 8: Finished neatly from close range to give Spain the lead and scored his first World Cup goal.

Lamine Yamal, 7: Displayed flair and confidence, especially early on as he evaded Doku and created problems for De Cuyper. A constant menace on the right flank.

Dani Olmo, 6: Had his shot deflected for Spain’s opener and was influential around the attacking third.

Alex Baena, 6: Worked tirelessly across the pitch, particularly in the final third, though lacked a clinical edge.

Mikel Oyarzabal, 5: Limited chances to score but was denied by Courtois in the second period.

Substitutes: Pedri 5, Ferran Torres 5, Nico Williams 5, Mikel Merino 9

Thibaut Courtois, 6: Saved from Olmo but pushed the rebound to Ruiz for the opener and spilled another shot from Yamal. Improved after half-time before being forced off with injury.

Timothy Castagne, 7: Provided Belgium’s equaliser with a superb cross and was solid defensively.

Nathan Ngoy, 7: Produced an excellent block to deny Rodri in the first half.

Brandon Mechele, 5: A steady performance, neither poor nor exceptional.

Maxim De Cuyper, 5: Showed bravery in pushing forward to support attacks but struggled at times against Yamal’s pace.

Nicolas Raskin, 6: Worked tirelessly across midfield, contributing defensively and in transition.

Hans Vanaken, 5: Started slowly after replacing Youri Tielemans but improved as the game progressed.

Jeremy Doku, 7: Quick and lively throughout, dangerous on the counterattack and tested Porro repeatedly. However, he was beaten by the one-two that led to Spain’s opener.

Kevin De Bruyne, 6: Had limited opportunities to dictate play but showed glimpses of his trademark creativity.

Leandro Trossard, 5: A quiet outing and withdrawn after an hour.

Charles De Ketelaere, 8: Displayed strength and composure to head Belgium level, taking his chance expertly despite not being a natural striker.

Mikel Merino’s late intervention ensured Spain’s progress, setting up a heavyweight semi-final battle with France as the 2026 World Cup edges toward its climax.