Spain reached the semi-finals as Mikel Merino struck late to beat Belgium 2-1 at SoFi Stadium — his second decisive knockout goal after his Round of 16 winner against Portugal. Spain dominated the ball but needed Merino's intervention to see off a spirited Belgium.
How it unfolded: Spain in front, Belgium level, Merino decisive
Spain led in the first half with their trademark control, but Belgium, fresh from a 4-1 win over the United States, hit back to level. Spain were wasteful despite Lamine Yamal's threat, until Merino arrived late to win it.
Context: a clutch habit, Belgian regret
Merino has now settled two knockout ties late, a growing subplot of the tournament. Spain will want more ruthlessness from Yamal and company. Belgium exit having chased a first semi-final since 2018, undone at the last.
The next step: Spain meet France
Spain advance to a semi-final with France on July 14 in Dallas, unbeaten against unbeaten. Our forecast of Spain to avoid defeat landed, Merino settling it late.
Spain are favourites on form and control, needing only to avoid a 90-minute defeat to reach extra time; Belgium's momentum keeps it live, so the double chance is the measured play.
Back this tip
Win 154%
Spain to win
1.64 odds
Total:Under: 2.554%
Under 2.5 goals
2.02 odds
Total Team 2 Under: 1.552%
Belgium under 1.5 goals
1.26 odds
Spain meet Belgium at SoFi Stadium in a heavyweight quarter-final. Spain, under Luis de la Fuente, arrive as favourites and a side growing into the tournament after ending a 16-year knockout drought against Portugal, with Lamine Yamal to the fore. Belgium, under Rudi Garcia, come with momentum after a 4-1 rout of the USA, De Ketelaere and Lukaku in form. Spanish control meets Belgian firepower, with a semi-final at stake. Our forecast favours Spain to avoid defeat, with a draw heading to extra time.
Spain — recent matches
06 Jul 2026Portugal1 — 0W
02 Jul 2026Austria3 — 0W
27 Jun 2026Uruguay1 — 0W
21 Jun 2026Saudi Arabia4 — 0W
15 Jun 2026Cape Verde Islands0 — 0D
Belgium — recent matches
07 Jul 2026USA4 — 1W
01 Jul 2026Senegal3 — 2W
27 Jun 2026New Zealand5 — 1W
21 Jun 2026Iran0 — 0D
15 Jun 2026Egypt1 — 1D
Squad Availability
✚ Injured ·■ Suspended
Spain
No reported absences
Belgium
✚A. Onana
Key Players
Spain
Lamine YamalRWBarcelona · 20+ caps · 7 G
Nico WilliamsLWBarcelona · 25+ caps
PedriCMBarcelona · 30+ caps
RodriCDMMan City · 60+ caps
Álvaro MorataSTComo · 80+ caps · 36 G · Captain
Belgium
Kevin De BruyneAMNapoli · 110+ caps · 30 G · Captain
Romelu LukakuSTNapoli · 110+ caps · 85 G
Jeremy DokuLWMan City · 25+ caps
Youri TielemansCMAston Villa · 75+ caps
Injuries
Spain
None reported
Belgium
None reported
Venue · Context
Stadium: SoFi Stadium
Capacity: 70,000
SoFi's fixed translucent canopy shades the pitch and tempers Los Angeles heat, giving neutral, controlled conditions that favour technical, possession football.
Weather: Mid-June LA: mild, ~22–26°C, dry under the canopy.
Spain
2–1
Belgium
