Mikel Merino’s late winner against Belgium sends Spain into the semi-finals of the World Cup

Spain have not enjoyed many good memories at the World Cup since winning their first and only title in 2010 as a group-stage exit in 2014 was followed by successive last-16 eliminations in 2018 and 2022.

Fabian Ruiz had given Spain a 30th-minute lead, before they conceded their first goal of the finals when Charles de Ketelaere headed home four minutes before half-time.

Belgium drew level 11 minutes later as De Ketelaere stole in front of Cubarsi to power home Castagne's cross - ending Spain's remarkable run of 649 minutes without conceding at the 2026 World Cup.