Spain has advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Belgium. The match, held in Los Angeles, showcased Spain's tactical prowess and resilience, particularly with Mikel Merino stepping up to score the decisive goal.

Spain's head coach, De la Fuente, made a surprising decision by benching key player Pedri, opting instead for Ruiz in the midfield. This strategic move proved effective as Spain dominated possession, holding 68% of the ball and completing 598 out of 665 passes. Despite their control, Spain struggled to create clear scoring opportunities early on.

Belgium's nightmare began even before the match kicked off, with captain Youri Tielemans suffering an injury during warm-ups. Nevertheless, the Belgian team started strong, attempting to disrupt Spain's midfield flow. However, Spain's players, including Rodri and Olmo, skillfully navigated through Belgium's defenses.

The breakthrough came in the 30th minute when Ruiz scored after a well-executed play involving Pedro Porro and Olmo. Spain seemed poised to extend their lead, but Belgium equalized just before halftime with a powerful header from De Ketelaere.

In the second half, Spain continued to press for a winning goal. The turning point occurred when Belgium's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was injured and had to be substituted. This shift in the match dynamic allowed Spain to capitalize on their chances, culminating in Merino's late goal, which secured their spot in the semifinals.

With this victory, Spain has once again proven their strength on the world stage, marking their second semifinal appearance in World Cup history. Mikel Merino's performance, including his crucial goal, highlights the depth and talent of the Spanish squad as they look forward to their next challenge against France.