Spain secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal on Friday, booking a place in the semifinals against Kylian Mbappe’s France in one of the tournament’s most anticipated clashes.
Goals from Fabian Ruiz and substitute Mikel Merino helped Spain overcome Belgium after Charles De Ketelaere had restored parity before halftime. The victory also extended Spain’s impressive unbeaten run to 36 international matches.
Fabian Ruiz gives Spain early advantage
Spain took control of the contest midway through the opening half when Fabian Ruiz capitalised on a rebound after Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois parried Dani Olmo’s effort into his path.
Spain continued to create chances through teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, whose energetic performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
Belgium fight back before halftime
Belgium responded just before the interval through Charles De Ketelaere.
Kevin De Bruyne initiated the move with a perfectly weighted pass to Timothy Castagne, whose accurate cross was headed home by De Ketelaere after timing his run to perfection.
The goal also ended Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon’s remarkable streak of 560 consecutive World Cup minutes without conceding, surpassing the previous tournament record held by Italy’s Walter Zenga.
Courtois injury shifts momentum
Belgium suffered a major setback in the 71st minute when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with an apparent injury.
His replacement, Senne Lammens, was called into action almost immediately but could not prevent Spain from reclaiming the lead.
After failing to hold Pau Cubarsi’s powerful long-range effort, Lammens spilled the ball into the path of substitute Mikel Merino, who reacted quickest to score the decisive goal.
Spain equals historic unbeaten record
The victory extended Spain’s unbeaten run to 36 matches, matching Argentina’s streak between 2019 and 2022.
Spain now stand just one game away from equalling Italy’s world-record 37-match unbeaten run, achieved between 2018 and 2021.
Spain to face Mbappe’s France in semifinal
Spain’s reward is a blockbuster semifinal against France, who advanced after defeating Morocco 2-0.
France captain Kylian Mbappe continued his sensational World Cup campaign by scoring in the quarterfinal victory, setting multiple tournament milestones.
The French superstar became:
- The youngest player to reach 20 FIFA World Cup appearances.
- The fastest player to score 20 World Cup goals.
- The first French footballer to contribute directly to 100 international goals, with 64 goals and 36 assists.
- The outright record holder for the most match-winning goals in FIFA World Cup history with eight.
Mbappe’s eighth goal of the tournament also drew him level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.
With two European heavyweights in outstanding form, the Spain-France semifinal promises to be one of the standout fixtures of FIFA World Cup 2026.
