Spain goals: Ruiz (30), Merino (88) Belgium goals: De Ketelaere (41)
Surprise starter Fabian Ruiz and late replacement Mikel Merino slotted home rebounds to secure Spain victory over Belgium in their FIFA World Cup 2026™ quarter-final at Los Angeles Stadium. Luis de la Fuente’s side will now face France at Dallas Stadium in one of the biggest semi-finals in World Cup history.
Ruiz, who unexpectedly started at the expense of Pedri, broke the deadlock after Thibaut Courtois had repelled Dani Olmo’s shot. The electrifying Lamine Yamal cut inside and flashed an attempt narrowly wide, before Belgium struck back on the break’s brink. An intuitive Kevin De Bruyne pass freed Timothy Castagne, whose excellent cross was headed home by Charles De Ketelaere, who had craftily crept onside. The great Courtois went off injured in the 71st minute. When his replacement, Senne Lammens, failed to hold a Pau Cubarsi drive from distance, Merino, who had been on the pitch merely minutes, lashed home the loose ball to settle the match.
Charles De Ketelaere ended Unai Simon’s run without conceding at 560 minutes. The Spain goalkeeper had broken the World Cup record of Walter Zenga, who went 517 minutes without letting in a goal for Italy in 1990.
Spain made it 36 matches unbeaten since a loss to Colombia in which Daniel Munoz scored the only goal. It equalled the undefeated streak Lionel Messi helped Argentina register from 2019 to 2022, and trails only Italy’s 37-game run set between 2018 and 2021.
“It’s the character of the team. It’s an honour to coach a team so committed and eager to improve. It’s fair to think we can beat France. We’re going to work hard for it. We’re the only team that has managed to beat them twice. A great team is going to face another great team.” Luis de la Fuente, Spain coach “I’m thrilled. I doubt it will happen again. We’re two matches away from winning a World Cup. It’s a dream come true. Hopefully we can achieve it. Everyone is watching these matches. Being able to bring this joy is a source of pride. Against France, at this stage, we couldn’t expect anything less than an elite team.” Mikel Merino, Spain midfielder
Sources: FIFA Official · Sky Sports
