Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in the World Cup quarterfinals on July 10, 2026, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. An 88th-minute goal by Mikel Merino secured the victory for the reigning European champions, eliminating the Belgian “Red Devils” from the tournament after a match that remained tied at 1-1 for over 40 minutes.
How Mikel Merino Broke the Deadlock at SoFi Stadium
Spain entered the match with a perfect defensive record, having not conceded a single goal throughout the tournament. That streak ended in the 41st minute when Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere scored a header from a Castagne cross to equalize. However, the match remained balanced until the 88th minute.
According to match reports, the deciding moment came when Spanish defender Pau Cubarsí unleashed a long-range shot. Belgian substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who had recently entered the game in tears for the injured Thibaut Courtois, failed to secure the ball. Mikel Merino reacted first to the rebound, sliding the ball into the net to make it 2-1.
The “Experiment-Garcia” and Belgium’s Tactical Shifts
Belgium’s coach, Rudi Garcia, faced immediate challenges before kickoff. Youri Tielemans was ruled out due to an adductor injury, forcing Hans Vanaken into the starting lineup. Garcia opted for a strategy, deploying both Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku to find a creative spark against the Spanish defense.
The Belgian side showed resilience, nearly taking the lead in the second half when De Cuyper hit the side netting and De Bruyne attempted a central strike. Garcia’s substitutions in the 60th minute—bringing on Romelu Lukaku and Axel Witsel for Vanaken and Trossard—were intended to shift the momentum, but the team struggled with fatigue as the match progressed.
Courtois Injury and the Lammens Substitution
A critical turning point occurred in the 71st minute when Thibaut Courtois was forced to leave the pitch. Reports indicate Courtois was in tears upon his exit, signaling an injury that left the Belgian defense vulnerable.
Senne Lammens stepped in as the replacement. While Lammens managed to save a late effort from Cucurella, his inability to handle Cubarsí’s distance shot led directly to the winning goal. This transition from a veteran keeper to a substitute proved fatal for the Red Devils.
Match Timeline and Key Statistics
| Minute | Event | Player |
|---|---|---|
| 30′ | Goal (1-0) | Fabián Ruiz (ESP) |
| 41′ | Goal (1-1) | Charles De Ketelaere (BEL) |
| 71′ | Substitution | Senne Lammens for T. Courtois |
| 88′ | Goal (2-1) | Mikel Merino (ESP) |
What This Means for the Tournament Bracket
With this victory, Spain advances to the semifinals, where they are scheduled to face France. For Belgium, the loss marks a "minor" exit from the competition, failing to capitalize on a performance that nearly forced extra time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored the winning goal against Belgium?
Mikel Merino scored the winning goal in the 88th minute after a rebound from a Pau Cubarsí shot.
Why was Senne Lammens in goal?
Lammens replaced Thibaut Courtois in the 71st minute after Courtois suffered an injury during the match.
Who does Spain play in the semifinals?
Spain will face France in the next round of the World Cup.
Join the conversation: Was the result a fair reflection of the game, or did the Courtois injury change everything? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more deep-dive match analysis.
