Marc Cucurella’s Spain book semi-final spot with late win over Belgium

Spain have booked their ticket to the semi-final of the 2026 World Cup courtesy of an 88th minute goal from Mikel Merino in a game marred for Madridistas by an apparent injury to Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Marc Cucurella continued at left-back and remains one of only two outfield players to have played every minute of the tournament so far for Luis de la Fuente’s side.

He had the challenging task of stopping in-form Arsenal winger Leandro Tossard but was effective, with two possession recoveries and one duel won, but was largely untroubled by a Belgium side with few chances.

Spain took the lead in the first half as Fabian Ruiz scored on the 30 minute mark, but Charles de Ketelaere equalised on the stroke of half-time courtesy of a cross down Cucurella’s flank from Timothy Castagne with the leveller coming against the run of play.

La Roja had the better chances, with 2.10 xG compared to 0.37 xG for Belgium, but failed to convert until Merino appeared at the death to give Spain a dramatic late winner as he reacted fastest to a spill from Senne Lammens, who replaced Courtois after he went off with a thigh problem.

The result means Spain remain unbeaten and with five consecutive wins after the disappointment of a 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in their opening group stage fixture.

Spain will now take on France on Tuesday in Dallas, with the victor set to face either England, Norway, Argentina or Switzerland in a potential final on July 19th in New Jersey.