Mikel Merino scores a dramatic 88th-minute winner as Spain defeats Belgium 2-1 in Match 98 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals in Los Angeles.
Introduction:
Spain’s national football team secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Belgium’s national football team in Match 98 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals. Played under the bright lights of a packed Los Angeles Stadium, this blockbuster European encounter lived up to its massive pre-match hype. In a spectacular tactical battle of fine margins, substitute midfielder Mikel Merino emerged as the ultimate hero, scoring a dramatic late winner to send La Roja into the final four.
Luis de la Fuente’s side took the field with extreme confidence, dictating the tempo early on with their signature short passing combinations. The first clear opening arrived in the 30th minute when a powerful attacking sequence split the Belgian defense. Fabián Ruiz pounced on a loose rebound shot, firing it firmly past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to give Spain a well-deserved 1-0 lead.
De Ketelaere Levels Before the Break
Belgium refused to lie down easily and gradually fought their way back into the contest. Led by midfield general Kevin De Bruyne, the Red Devils began finding pockets of empty space on the counter-attack. Their resilience paid off in the 41st minute. Following a dangerous cross from the left wing, Charles De Ketelaere timed his run perfectly, powering a brilliant header into the corner of the net to tie the match at 1-1 before the half-time whistle.
The second half turned into a high-octane physical battle, with both managers utilizing their benches to inject fresh energy. Spain brought on Pedri and Ferran Torres, while Belgium introduced veteran striker Romelu Lukaku to test the Spanish central defenders.
As the digital clock ticked toward the 90th minute, the tension in California reached a fever pitch, and the game seemed destined for a grueling extra-time period. See also: Mbappé and Dembélé Strike 2-0 Against Morocco
Super-Sub Merino Decides the Classic
Then arrived the definitive moment of Match 98 in the 88th minute. Mikel Merino, who had entered the field as a tactical substitute just two minutes prior, found a pocket of space inside the penalty area.
He anticipated a loose defensive clearance perfectly and fired a precise shot into the back of the net, sealing a historic 2-1 victory. Spain now advances to a highly anticipated semi-final showdown against rivals France in Dallas.
