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Mikel Merino scores late for Spain in World Cup quarterfinal against Belgium

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 11, 2026, 12:30 AM

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

Mikel Merino scores late for Spain in World Cup quarterfinal against Belgium

Summary

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal, Mikel Merino came off the bench to score the decisive goal for Spain, clinching a 2-1 victory over Belgium. The match was tied 1-1 in the 85th minute when Merino entered, replacing Dani Olmo. Just two minutes later, he converted a rebound after a shot from Pau Cubarsi, propelling Spain into the semifinals. Previously, Merino had shown his knack for scoring late in matches, having done so in Spain's Round of 16 game against Portugal. Spain will now face France in the semifinals.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Mikel Merino scored the game-winning goal for Spain
•Match concluded with Spain defeating Belgium 2-1
•Merino replaced Dani Olmo in the 85th minute
•Spain will face France in the semifinals
•Merino scored the game-winner in previous match against Portugal

Latest Updates

12:30 AMYahoo Sports — Darren Fletcher predicted Mikel Merino’s Spain-Belgium quarterfinal game-winning goal

What they're saying

"
As soon as Mikel Merino subbed in for Spain on Friday, Darren Fletcher knew. Spain and Belgium were knotted 1-1 in the 85th minute of Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal matchup when the 30-year-old Merino entered the match, replacing Dani Olmo. As he did, the Fox Sports announcer made sure to note the arrival…
— Yahoo Sports

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