Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in the quarterfinals of the 2026 North American World Cup, securing a spot in the semifinals for the first time in 16 years.
The match took place on July 11 at the Los Angeles Stadium in California. Spain's last semifinal appearance was during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where they claimed their first title.
Spain will face France, who defeated Morocco 2-0, in the semifinals on July 15 at 4 a.m. in Dallas.
Belgium, on the other hand, exited the tournament in the quarterfinals, unable to overcome the absence of key midfielders Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana due to injuries.
Spain controlled possession from the start, and their efforts paid off in the 30th minute. Right-back Pedro Porro made a deep run and delivered a cutback that Dani Olmo connected with. The Belgian goalkeeper deflected the shot, but Fabian Ruiz was there to tap in the rebound for the opening goal.
However, Spain conceded an equalizer in the 41st minute when Timothy Castagne's cross found Charles De Ketelaere, who scored with a header, leveling the match at 1-1.
This goal ended Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon's streak of seven consecutive World Cup matches without conceding a goal, dating back to the 2022 Qatar tournament.
In the second half, Spain made substitutions, bringing on Ferran Torres, Pedri, and Nico Williams to boost their attack. They took advantage of a substitution in the 26th minute when Belgium's starting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was injured.
Spain scored the decisive goal in the 43rd minute. Defender Pau Cubarsi attempted a surprise long-range shot that the substitute goalkeeper Senne Lamens failed to secure. Mikel Merino seized the opportunity, scoring with a left-footed shot to secure the thrilling winning goal.
Spain maintained their one-goal lead in the remaining minutes, thanks to the defensive efforts of Simon, Cubarsi, and Aymeric Laporte, clinching their ticket to the semifinals.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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