Mikel Merino scored a late winner as Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 to reach the FIFA World Cup semifinals, where La Roja will face France.

Spain's dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals attracted almost as much attention off the pitch as it did on it, with Hollywood stars, music icons, royalty, athletes and internet personalities packing the VIP sections at Los Angeles Stadium to watch one of the tournament's biggest matches.

Spain turned to their super sub Mikel Merino once again as they triumphed over Belgium in the World Cup quarterfinals

Fabián Ruiz and Mikel Merino score for Spain, which takes advantage of an injury to Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Coutois in a 2-1 World Cup quarterfinal win.

Belgium triple sub. Axel Witsel, Joaquin Seyes and Romelo Lukaku replace Hans Vanaken, Leandro Trossard and Maxim De Cuyper. Spain vs Belgium second half underway. Sp

Spain left it late again to defeat Belgium and advance to the World Cup semifinals with a 2-1 win after Senne Lammens' late mistake proved decisive.

Merino scores late winner after error from Man Utd goalkeeper Lammens Lammens was on as second-half substitute after Courtois went off injured De Ketelaere headed equaliser against run of play after Ruiz scored opener Spain will play France in semi-finals on Tuesday,