Spain booked its place in the 2026 World Cup semifinals with a tense 2-1 quarterfinal win over Belgium on Friday, July 10, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Belgium was Spain’s quarterfinal opponent, and the victory sent the team through to face France. The match was scheduled for 3 p.m. Eastern Time.
Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in the 88th minute, finishing after Belgium’s reserve goalkeeper spilled the ball, information from the Post-Journal match report. ESPN’s results listing records Spain’s 2-1 quarterfinal win and the semifinal against France on July 14. Merino’s late finish kept Spain’s title bid alive.
Immediately after the final whistle, coach Luis de la Fuente spoke with La 1 in a flash interview, praising his players’ determination and flexibility. He highlighted the team’s collective work and said Spain had created enough chances to win more comfortably. Still, he cautioned against underestimating how difficult victories are at this level.
De la Fuente singled out Merino, calling him a world-class talent capable of playing for any top team. He also praised the squad’s depth, including contributions from Pedri and Fabián, and stressed that every player understands his role and the value of teamwork.
At the post-match press conference, de la Fuente began by offering condolences to the victims of the Almería fire and to the family of team photographer Ángel Martínez, whose mother died during the match. He said the focus remained on the group, not individual decisions or lineups. Tactical changes, including bringing on Pedri for Fabián, were intended to add fresh energy at basic moments, he explained.
De la Fuente also looked ahead to the semifinal against France, scheduled for July 14. He acknowledged the challenge and expressed confidence in Spain’s preparation, saying the team was determined to go further. The match marked Spain’s return to the semifinals for the first time since winning the 2010 World Cup.
Asked about his decisions and the mood within the squad, de la Fuente dismissed concerns about player frustration, saying the group was made up of professionals who understood their responsibilities. He credited the team’s calmness and discipline to the players’ grasp of their tasks and their talent. His own composure on the sidelines, he added, helped keep the team steady under pressure.
Spain’s unbeaten run in major tournaments stood at 13 matches, a streak de la Fuente credited to the dedication of his players and staff. He said he was grateful for the chance to lead the group and stressed that success came from collective effort, not individual brilliance.
Spain faced France in the semifinal on July 14, with La 1 broadcasting the match live. Spain won 2-0 to reach the final. The team’s route through the knockout rounds is also set out in this earlier coverage.
Spain then beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, to win the tournament. The victory over Belgium was the quarterfinal result that secured Spain’s place in the semifinals, not the semifinal itself.
Spain’s campaign showed the value of squad depth and unity, while Merino’s late goal against Belgium proved basic on the way to the title. The team’s ability to adapt, respond under pressure and deliver in high-stakes matches defined its tournament run.
