Friday: July 10, 2026 — 25 Muharram 1448 AH

Merino leads Spain to semifinals to face France (photos)

Friday: July 10, 2026 — 25 Muharram 1448 AH

Spain advanced to the semifinals after a 2-1 win over Belgium. Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring, before Charles De Ketelaere equalized for Belgium. In the 88th minute, Mikel Merino snatched the winning goal, continuing his heroics with Spain after the Portugal match, setting up a clash with France in the semifinals.

Spain fans head to watch the match (dpa)

Kevin De Bruyne shoots, ball hits Spain's defense (AFP)

Romelu Lukaku comes on as a substitute for Maxim De Cuyper (AP)

Belgium fans react while watching the match in Brussels (Reuters)

Thibaut Courtois attempts to save a ball during the match (AFP)

Pedri comes on for Fabian Ruiz (EPA)

Lamine Yamal shoots in an attempt to score a goal for Spain (AP)

Children from Belgium fan gatherings in Brussels to watch the match (Reuters)

A Belgium fan reacts while watching the match at the fan zone in New York (AP)

Charles De Ketelaere falls while trying to recover the ball from Dani Olmo (AP)

Penelope Cruz and Brad Pitt attend the match from the stands (AFP)

Jeremy Doku and Dani Olmo compete for the ball (EPA)

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois blocks a shot from Lamine Yamal during the match (AP)

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois blocks a shot from Lamine Yamal (AP)

Charles De Ketelaere celebrates scoring Belgium's first goal (AFP)

Ruiz celebrates scoring the first goal for Spain (Reuters)

Penelope Cruz and Brad Pitt attend the Spain vs Belgium match in the stands (AFP)

Fabian Ruiz celebrates his goal for Spain (EPA)

A female fan of the Spanish national team before the start of the match against Belgium (EPA)

Spain fans gather at Columbus Square in Madrid to watch the match against Belgium (EPA)

A Belgium fan heading to the stadium before the match against Spain (EPA)

Belgium fans cheer as they head to the stadium before the match against Spain in Los Angeles, USA (EPA)

Mikel Merino scores the second goal for Spain (AP)

Belgium goalkeeper Seny Lannens looks dejected after Mikel Merino's second goal for Spain (Reuters)

Belgium fan Nicolas Darden celebrates in the stands (dpa)

Mikel Merino celebrates scoring the second goal for Spain (AFP)