Spain vs. Belgium Live World Cup 2026 Updates, Scores and Highlights

Some huge names have played last World Cup

He's been a clutch striker option off the bench

A cute moment postgame

They haven't lost since a friendly vs. Colombia in 2024

We will be SAT

His great World Cup continues

Mikel Merino made the difference with his second game-winning goal in five days. His versatility off the bench gave Spain the goal-scoring savviness they needed to capitalize on a rare mistake from a strong Belgian team that was up for the challenge. Rudi Garcia's side nearly took the lead ten minutes into the second half.

Kevin De Bruyne continued to create chances with his technical brilliance, setting up a one-two with Jeremy Doku. That led to Doku putting a ball into the six-yard box on a swift cutback. A deflection fell kindly to Maxim De Cuyper, who blasted his shot into the side netting. That eye-opening attacking sequence served as a wake-up call for Spain.

They immediately went on the front foot, as Lamine Yamal started to get more on the ball. He forced Thibaut Courtois into a two-handed save after cutting inside from the right to unleash a powerful shot. His outstanding footwork created space to play in Mikel Oyarzabal for a clear look on goal in the box. That opening was quickly closed down by Courtois for another sharp save. Unfortunately, it was Courtois' last notable moment.

The world-class goalkeeper sustained a thigh injury, forcing a substitution in the 71st minute. Manchester United's Senne Lammens would replace him, making only his third national team appearance. The massive move was initially well protected by Belgium's outstanding defensive organization. They responded to Spain's slick passing and quick movement with proper positioning and strong overall cohesiveness. Lammens would be pressed into action in the 88th minute. He failed to make the necessary stop when called upon.

Barcelona's Pau Cubarsi took a shot from distance after having acres of space. The dipping shot proved too uncomfortable for Lammens to control. It allowed Merino to be Spain's hero for the second time this week. He pounced on the goalkeeping error to score another vital goal. Belgium would press forward, catching Unai Simon out of position. Aymeric Laporte would bail his goalkeeper out with an excellent clearance. That ultimately secured Spain's victory. They will face France in the semifinals for the second consecutive major tournament, having beaten them 2-1 at Euro 2024.

Mikel Merino does it again! Lammens spills the shot

GK emotional as his day ends, Man Utd's Senne Lammens replaces him

Game ramping up in chances now

He was left out of the XI curiously, but his replacement Fabián scored

Surely he'll have a say in the result today

Spain was in complete control for nearly the entire first half until Belgium scored in the 41^st minute. La Roja remained patient in their approach to break down a compact Belgian side, who set out to defend deep and try to break Spain on the counter, with Jeremy Doku leading the charge. It worked for 30 minutes before Fabian Ruiz found the breakthrough.

A quick one-two between Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro created space for the Tottenham right back to find Dani Olmo on the cutback. Porro's pinpoint ball connected with Olmo, who hit a first-time shot on target, forcing Thibaut Courtois into a low reaction save. The stellar goalkeeper could do little to prevent the shot from falling into Ruiz's path, where the star midfielder scored on the rebound.

Yamal was at the center of Spain's best moments, as his dipping free kick forced Courtois into another low save shortly after the goal. Just when the reigning European champions started to take command, Belgium struck back impressively. Kevin De Bruyne used his impressive vision to find Timothy Castagne on the right flank. That led to Castagne putting in a terrific cross to Charles De Ketelaere for the equalizer on a sharp header. It's the first goal Spain has conceded in the entire tournament, as they will look to regroup from a shocking goal.

Would have been a worldie if it snuck in

Charles De Ketelaere gets up for 1-1

Fabián Ruiz pounces for first half lead

Not too many opportunities in first part of the game

Here. We. Go.

Belgium captain injured in warmup, will not start QF

Tis the Summer of Erling

No Pedri for Spain, De Bruyne and Doku back in for Belgium

Some say numbers don't lie...

Hard to believe this between two of Europe's top sides

Belgium gotta be bold in big matchup