Spain Beat Belgium to Reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals: Merino Makes History, Yamal & Cubarsi Set Rare Record

Spain and Belgium clashed against each other on 11th July 2026 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals where Spain broke Belgium's hearts in the final minutes of the matches. Just when the match was almost headed for extra time, the substitute player Mikel Merino scored a goal in the 88th minute of the game. This goal took Spain to the semi finals where it will now face France.
While the end moment score gained the headlines, this match also broke some historical records too. Merino became the first substitute player ever who has scored winning goals in two separate knockout matches at a single World Cup.

Similarly, Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi achieved something that no Spanish pair has done since Pele and Altafini did it for Brazil back in 1958. That is why here are all the big numbers and records from Spain vs Belgium. 

Spain vs Belgium: Match Summary

Spain vs Belgium: Mikel Merino’s Historic Record

Mikel Merino started playing the match in the 86th minute and he scored a goal just after two minutes. This is not the first time where Mikel has saved the day for Spain. Merino also came as a substitute against Portugal and scored the winning goal in the 91st  minute.

With this achievement, Merino became the first player the FIFA World Cup history to score winning goals as a substitute in two different knockout matches. Moreover, he also became the first player in 60 years who has scored two game winning goals after the 87th minute in World Cup knockout games. 

In Spanish football history, Mikel now joins Alvaro Morata and Fernando Morientes as the only men to score multiple goals as a substitute at the World Cup. 

Spain vs Belgium: Yamal and Cubarsi’s Rare Achievement

Spain started two teenagers Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, in this quarterfinal. Starting a FIFA career means introducing at least two players under the age of 20 in the starting lineup of the match. 

Spain started these two in the quarter finals against Belgium and this had happened only once before at a World Cup quarterfinal in 1958, when Brazil started two teenagers named Pele and Altafini against Wales.

Spain vs Belgium: Interesting Records 

• Mikel Merino is now the first substitute in World Cup history to score winning goals in two different knockout games.

• Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi became the second teenage pair to feature in the World Cup quarterfinal since Pele and Altafini in 1958.

• Spain had set a record by playing 649 minutes without allowing any opposition to score a goal. This streak started in 2022 after a match against Japan and now it was broken Charles De Ketelaere finally scored against them.

• Spain has now set a new record as the team has played 36 consecutive matches in all competitions without losing a single game.

• Spain remains unbeaten in nine straight World Cup knockout games since 2006.