Spain vs Belgium — World Cup 2026 Group QF
WC Pedigree
Match Recap
Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in the quarter-finals at SoFi Stadium. Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring for Spain in the 30th minute, followed by an equalizer from Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere in the 41st. Mikel Merino scored the winning goal for Spain in the 88th minute.
Generated 2026-07-17 12:05 UTC
AI-assisted analysis — may contain inaccuracies
Match Recap
2 – 1Spain beat Belgium 2-1 at SoFi Stadium on July 10, 2026 to reach the semi-finals, 40 years after losing the 1986 quarter-final between the two on penalties. Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring on 30 minutes before Charles De Ketelaere equalized on 41 — the first goal Spain had conceded in the entire tournament, ending a run of five straight clean sheets. Mikel Merino won it on 88 minutes, and Spain now face France in the semi-final on July 14.
Fabián Ruiz put Spain in front on the half hour.
De Ketelaere leveled — the first goal Spain conceded all tournament, ending five straight clean sheets.
Merino restored Spain's lead two minutes from the end of normal time.
Spain reach the semi-finals and avenge their only previous World Cup knockout meeting with Belgium, the 1986 quarter-final lost on penalties. Belgium exit at the quarter-final stage after scoring 14 goals in six games.