ISTANBUL / Ahmed Hassan / Anadolu Agency

Spain qualified for the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Belgium 2-1 on Friday, thanks to a late goal from substitute Mikel Moreno in the 88th minute in the quarterfinal match.

The match was held at Los Angeles Stadium in California, USA, and officiated by English referee Michael Oliver.

Fabian Ruiz and Mikel Moreno scored for Spain in the 31st and 88th minutes, while Charles De Ketelaere scored Belgium's only goal in the 42nd minute.

With this victory, La Roja set up a semifinal meeting with France next Tuesday at Dallas Stadium, after France secured their spot by defeating Morocco 2-0.

Spain imposed their dominance from the start and translated their control into a lead in the 31st minute when Fabian Ruiz followed up on a rebound from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois after he saved a shot from Dani Olmo, firing it powerfully into the net.

Just before halftime, Belgium equalized through Charles De Ketelaere, who headed in a precise cross from Timothy Castagne in the 42nd minute, scoring the first goal conceded by Spain in the tournament.

In the second half, Spain continued their offensive pressure, while Belgium relied on defensive compactness and the brilliance of goalkeeper Courtois, who denied dangerous attempts from Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal.

Belgium suffered a blow in the 71st minute when goalkeeper Courtois was forced to leave the field due to injury, replaced by Sini Laminas, the goalkeeper of English club Manchester United.

Two minutes before the end of the match, substitute Mikel Moreno snatched the winning goal for Spain, just two minutes after coming on, capitalizing on a rebound from goalkeeper Laminas following a powerful shot from defender Pau Cubarsi from outside the penalty area.

Belgium almost equalized in stoppage time after goalkeeper Unai Simon made a mistake coming off his line, but the Spanish defense intervened at the last moment and cleared the ball, preserving La Roja's lead until the final whistle.

The United States, Canada, and Mexico are hosting the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup from June 11 to July 19, featuring 48 teams.