Merino scores late as Spain eliminates Belgium from World Cup

Spain edged past Belgium 2-1 in a quarter-final match at the World Cup on July 13, 2026. The decisive moment came in the 88th minute when Senne Lammens, substituting for injured Thibaut Courtois, mishandled a shot, allowing Mikel Merino to score from the rebound. This defeat likely marks the end of the competitive international careers for key Belgium players Kevin de Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Axel Witsel after their long stint since the 2014 World Cup. Belgium's generation had one last chance to secure a title, but the late error proved costly, confirming their elimination from the tournament.

• 7:11 AMYahoo Sports — Merino pounces on Lammens mistake to score late winner for Spain