Spain 2–1 Belgium: 2026 World Cup Quarterfinal Match Highlights 2026

The match, which kicked off at 15:00 local time, was a tale of Spanish dominance in possession but Belgian resilience on the counter-attack. Spain’s tiki-taka style controlled the tempo throughout, but Belgium’s threat on the break kept the contest finely balanced until the final stages.

First Half: Spain Control but Belgium Strike Back

The opening 45 minutes showcased Spain’s characteristic possession-based football, with La Roja enjoying a staggering 68% of the ball. The Spanish midfield, orchestrated by the likes of Pedri and Fabián Ruiz, dictated the pace of the game, constantly probing the Belgian defense for openings.

Ruiz Breaks the Deadlock

The breakthrough arrived in the 30th minute when Fabián Ruiz found the back of the net, giving Spain a deserved 1-0 lead. The goal came following sustained pressure, with Ruiz finishing clinically after a well-worked move that sliced through the Belgian defense.

De Ketelaere Levels the Score

However, Belgium demonstrated their clinical edge on the counter-attack in the 41st minute. Charles De Ketelaere capitalized on a rare Spanish defensive lapse, firing past the Spanish goalkeeper to make it 1-1. The goal served as a reminder of Belgium’s attacking quality and their ability to punish even the most dominant opponents.

Just before halftime, in the 43rd minute, Spain’s Pau Cubarsí received a yellow card, adding a note of caution to La Roja’s defensive approach. Five minutes of additional time were played, but neither side could find a second goal before the interval.

Second Half: Spain’s Depth Makes the Difference

The second half saw Spain make tactical adjustments, with substitutions designed to inject fresh energy into the attack and maintain their dominance. The Spanish changes proved decisive as the game wore on.

Early Spanish Substitutions

In the 55th minute, Spain made a double substitution, bringing on Pedri for goalscorer Fabián Ruiz and Ferran Torres for A. Baena. The changes were designed to maintain the intensity in midfield and add fresh attacking impetus.

Belgian Adjustments

Belgium responded with their own changes, introducing Romelu Lukaku for H. Vanaken and A. Witsel for L. Trossard in the 60th minute. A further change saw J. Seys replace M. De Cuyper in the 61st minute, as the Red Devils looked to find a foothold in the game.

In the 71st minute, Belgium made a significant change, substituting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for S. Lammens. The decision raised eyebrows, suggesting either an injury or a tactical gamble from the Belgian coaching staff.

Late Drama and Merino’s Winner

The game entered its final stages with tension mounting. In the 79th minute, Spain brought on Nico Williams for M. Oyarzabal, adding pace and creativity to the attack.

Belgium’s hopes suffered a blow in the 85th minute when Kevin De Bruyne received a yellow card. Moments later, in the 86th minute, Belgium substituted De Bruyne for A. Saelemaekers, a move that signaled a defensive shift.

Spain made a corresponding change in the 86th minute, bringing on Mikel Merino for Dani Olmo. The substitution proved to be the masterstroke of the match.

Merino’s Decisive Strike

In the 88th minute, Mikel Merino etched his name into Spanish World Cup folklore, scoring a dramatic goal to give Spain a 2-1 lead. The goal came from a well-worked set-piece or open-play move, with Merino finishing calmly to send the Spanish fans into raptures.