Spain has reached the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking their first appearance at this stage since their historic triumph in 2010, after defeating Belgium 2-1 on Friday, July 10, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Goals by Fabian Ruiz (30th minute) and Mikel Merino (88th) were enough to overcome Belgium’s attack, which mustered the first goal of the tournament against Spain when Charles De Ketelaere’s header found the back of the net in the 41st minute.
Belgium goalkeeper Thiaut Courtois was subbed off late in the second half and replaced by Senne Lammens, who ending up spilling the rebound that Merino put home to give Spain its late lead.
Teams in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals
Here are the teams that have advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals:
- France
- Spain
2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals schedule
Tuesday, July 14:
- France vs. Spain, 2 p.m. local/3 p.m. ET in Arlington, Texas
Wednesday, July 15:
- Norway/England vs. Argentina/Switzerland, 3 p.m. ET in Atlanta
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Spain reaches FIFA World Cup semifinals for the first time since 2010
