Spain, with a hard-fought victory, will now square up against France in the last-four tie of the tournament on Tuesday, 14 July.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Spain on Friday qualified for the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup following a 2-1 win over Belgium in a game played at the Los Angeles Stadium.
Luis de la Fuente’s men opened the scoring in the quarter-final encounter through Fabián Ruiz in the 30th minute.
Dani Olmo’s effort was parried away by Thibaut Courtois, but it went straight to the feet of Ruiz, who was there to slam it home, although it took a slight deflection off Timothy Castagne.
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Belgium, however, levelled the score in the 41st minute after a cross into the box from Castagne allowed Charles De Ketelaere to get across Pau Cubarsí brilliantly and head home the equaliser.
In the second half, substitute Mikel Merino scored Spain’s second goal after goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold onto a 25-yard strike from Cubarsí.
With the narrow victory, Spain will now face France in the last-four tie of the tournament on Tuesday, 14 July.
