Pakistan, July 11 -- Spain secured a 2-1 victory over Belgium in the FIFA World Cup quarter-final on Friday to book a place in the semifinals. Substitute Mikel Merino scored a late winner in Inglewood, California, sending Spain into a high-profile clash against France. The result keeps Spain's title hopes alive as they continue their impressive unbeaten run.

Merino produced another dramatic moment after returning from a serious foot injury that kept him sidelined for much of 2026. The midfielder came off the bench and scored the decisive goal in the 88th minute after Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold Pau Cubarsi's shot. It was Merino's second late match-winning contribution of the tournament.

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