As the match was about to end in a draw at the scheduled time, Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in the 88th minute due to a mistake by Belgium's goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
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With a goal by Mikel Merino towards the end of the second half, Spain defeated Belgium 2–1 on Saturday in the 2026 World Cup, advancing to the semifinals of the tournament. Spain will now face France in the final four.
In the match held in Los Angeles, Spain took the lead in the 30th minute with a goal from Fabián Ruiz. In the 41st minute of the first half, Charles De Ketelaere equalized for Belgium. This was the first goal Spain conceded in the tournament.
As the match was heading towards a draw in regulation time, in the 88th minute, Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal following a mistake by Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens, which proved enough for Spain's victory. With the defeat, Belgium's challenge in the tournament has come to an end.
