Belgium vs Spain: Fabian and Merino Send Spain Into the World Cup Semifinals
Updated 12 July 2026. Image AI-generated for illustrative purposes.
Belgium vs Spain at the FIFA World Cup 2026 finished 2-1, Fabian and Mikel Merino either side of a Charles De Ketelaere strike to send Spain into the semifinals. Fabian put Spain ahead in the 30th minute, De Ketelaere levelled for Belgium 11 minutes later, and substitute Merino settled it in the 88th with the composure that has become his trademark off the bench this tournament. It ends Belgium’s run at the quarterfinal stage and Spain’s run of clean sheets, but not their unbeaten record.
| Match facts | Detail |
|---|---|
| Result | Spain 2-1 Belgium |
| Competition | FIFA World Cup 2026, Quarterfinal |
| Venue | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood |
| Spain scorers | Fabian 30′, Merino 88′ |
| Belgium scorer | De Ketelaere 41′ |
| Man of the match | Lamine Yamal |
| Attendance | 70,492 |
Belgium vs Spain FIFA World Cup 2026: How Spain Won It
Spain broke through in the 30th minute when Fabian arrived at the back post to turn in a low ball across the box, continuing a knockout run built on patient build-up play through Pedri and Rodri. Belgium answered quickly. Charles De Ketelaere, the Round of 16 hero against the United States, cut inside from the left and drilled a finish beyond Unai Simon in the 41st minute to send the sides level into the break. The game stayed edgy after that, with both goalkeepers required, until Luis de la Fuente turned to his bench. Mikel Merino, on for Fabian, needed only a handful of minutes to make the difference, converting from close range in the 88th to spark wild celebrations among the Spain support inside SoFi Stadium.
Lamine Yamal, still working back from the injury he picked up in the Round of 16, was influential enough in stretching Belgium’s defence to take the Man of the Match award, even without getting on the scoresheet himself. Kevin De Bruyne, restored to the Belgium XI after being rested in the previous round, could not find the moment his side needed and picked up a late booking as frustration set in.
Spain vs Belgium highlights pic.twitter.com/fUPv2ApjM5
— HUMPHREY TIPS (@Okechukwu_odd) July 11, 2026
What It Means for the Semifinals
Spain reach the World Cup semifinals for the first time since their 2010 triumph and now face France on July 14 at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, a rematch of last summer’s Nations League semifinal that Spain won 5-4. The result also ends Spain’s run of clean sheets in this tournament, De Ketelaere the first player to beat Unai Simon at this World Cup, though the unbeaten record stays intact. For Belgium, the quarterfinal exit follows a big Round of 16 win over co-hosts the United States and closes out a tournament in which Romelu Lukaku and De Bruyne shared the goals but ultimately ran out of road against the eventual finalists.
What Is Next
Spain now prepare for a Bastille Day semifinal against France, the last unbeaten side left in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Follow every result on our Quarterfinals hub and track goals live on live scores. Read the build-up in our Belgium vs Spain preview, and see the full picture in our complete World Cup 2026 guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score in Belgium vs Spain at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Spain won 2-1. Fabian scored in the 30th minute, Charles De Ketelaere levelled for Belgium in the 41st, and substitute Mikel Merino won it for Spain in the 88th.
Who was Man of the Match in Belgium vs Spain?
Lamine Yamal was named Man of the Match for Spain, despite not scoring, for his role in stretching the Belgium defence throughout the quarterfinal.
Who does Spain play in the World Cup semifinal?
Spain face France on July 14 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, a repeat of the 2025 UEFA Nations League semifinal that Spain won 5-4.
Sources: Wikipedia match record and ESPN live coverage.
