Substitute Mikel Merino delivered a dramatic late winner for the second consecutive match, firing Spain to a 2-1 victory over Belgium and into the World Cup semifinals. Merino, an Arsenal midfielder, entered the game in the 86th minute and scored just two minutes later, pouncing on a rebound after Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens parried a shot from Pau Cubarsí.

This is the second time in as many games Merino has proven to be Spain's difference-maker, having scored a 91st-minute winner against Portugal in the round of 16. He also netted a 119th-minute winner against Germany in the quarterfinals of the last European Championships, marking his third match-winning goal in a major tournament for Spain. Spain had taken the lead through Fabián Ruiz in the first half, but Charles De Ketelaere equalized for Belgium before halftime.

Spain will now face France in the semifinals in Dallas. The victory sets up a rematch of recent major tournament encounters, including the semifinals of the European Championships in 2024 and the UEFA Nations League in 2025, both of which Spain won. Coach Luis de la Fuente praised Merino's readiness and impact, stating, "When we need him, he's always there."