Match report
Spain edge a thriller to reach the semi-finals. Fabián Ruiz curls them ahead, De Ketelaere levels — the first goal Spain have conceded all tournament — and super-sub Mikel Merino wins it two minutes after coming on, pouncing when Belgium's back-up keeper Lammens spills Cubarsí's long shot. Spain meet France in the last four.
Belgium lost Thibaut Courtois to a second-half injury, and it decided the tie: back-up Senne Lammens spilled Cubarsí's long-range effort straight to Merino for the 88th-minute winner. Belgium's night turned on the goalkeeper change — how much does that howler cost them?
On in the 86th, Merino scored on his second touch, barely two minutes later. It's his second straight knockout winner off the bench after his 91st-minute strike sank Portugal in the Round of 16. Should he be starting the semi-final?
De Ketelaere's 41st-minute equaliser was the first goal Spain had conceded all tournament, ending a record clean-sheet run. A rare wobble at the back for La Roja right before they meet France's attack.
Spain racked up 2.08 xG from 16 shots to Belgium's 0.38 from 5 — statistically a rout that a Lammens save or two nearly turned into extra time. The scoreline flattered Belgium.
An all-European semi-final between two of the favourites — and it lands just as France sweat on Mbappé's ankle. Is this the de facto final, a round early?
Timeline
- 30'
⚽Fabián Ruiz
- 41'
⚽Charles De Ketelaere
- 88'
⚽Mikel Merino
Head-to-head — match stats
Spain · Group H
2W-1D-0L · 5-0 (+5)- D0-0H
Cape VerdeMon, Jun 15
- W4-0H
Saudi ArabiaSun, Jun 21
- W1-0A
UruguayFri, Jun 26
Belgium · Group G
1W-2D-0L · 6-2 (+4)- D1-1H
EgyptMon, Jun 15
- D0-0H
IranSun, Jun 21
- W5-1A
New ZealandFri, Jun 26
Head-to-head — group stage
Stat coverage is incomplete in some games — bars show only what was recorded.
Best players — Spainover the group stage
- 21FMikel OyarzabalForwardGroup: 2G · 1 apps
- 19FLamine YamalForward · Barcelona (ESP)Group: 1G · 1 appsClub 2025-26 La Liga: 37 apps · 14G · 16A
- 15FÁlex BaenaMidfielder · Atlético Madrid (ESP)Group: 0G · 1 appsClub 2025-26 La Liga: 33 apps · 8G · 11A
Best players — Belgiumover the group stage
- 22FAlexis SaelemaekersForwardGroup: 0G · 1 apps
- ·Arthur TheateSquad memberGroup: 0G · 1 apps
- 4DBrandon MecheleDefenderGroup: 0G · 1 apps
Spain scouting
Possession suffocation — highest possession % across the group stage.
Finishing on the move — created big chances, missed a fair share.
Belgium scouting
Direct attack via Doku and Lukaku — punished New Zealand 5-1 to top Group G.
Defensive line cohesion when stretched.