Spain secures semifinal spot against France in World Cup 2026

Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in the 88th minute, leading Spain to a 2-1 victory over Belgium in the World Cup quarterfinals. Merino, who came on as a substitute, capitalized on a rebound from backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens after a shot by Pau Cubarsi. Spain, who previously defeated Portugal 1-0 with a goal from Merino, will face France in the semifinals. Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere had briefly equalized after Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring for Spain.

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