Mikel Merino scores again as Spain advances to World Cup semifinals
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 10, 2026, 11:43 PM
Last updated Jul 10, 2026
Mikel Merino scored the game-winning goal in the 88th minute, leading Spain to a 2-1 victory over Belgium on July 10 in the quarterfinals of the World Cup. This marked Merino's second consecutive match as a substitute in which he netted the decisive goal, having previously scored against Portugal in the round of 16. With this victory, Spain reaches the semifinals for the first time since winning the tournament in 2010. The team has now extended its unbeaten streak to 36 matches, closing in on the all-time record of 37 held by Italy.
- •Mikel Merino scored in the 88th minute against Belgium.
- •Spain advanced to the World Cup semifinals for the first time since 2010.
- •Merino is the first substitute in World Cup history to score winning goals in consecutive knockout matches.
- •Spain's unbeaten streak is now at 36 matches.
- •Spain previously defeated Portugal in the round of 16.
- 11:43 PMYahoo Sports — Mikel Merino is Mr. Clutch for Spain once again: World Cup performance 'extraordinary'
"For the second straight game, Mikel Merino nets the game-winning goal for Spain, becoming the clutch player for La Roja in the World Cup.
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