Merino rescues Spain again as fans wait for Yamal to shine
Spain beat Belgium 2-1 in Los Angeles on 10 July 2026, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring an 88th-minute winner after Senne Lammens spilled Pau Cubarsi's shot. Fans asking what channel the football story turns on next got Mikel Merino—not yet Lamine Yamal—as La Roja booked a World Cup semi-final against France in Dallas.
Key Takeaways
- Mikel Merino scored his second late knockout winner in four days after also beating Portugal in stoppage time.
- ESPN reports Merino is the first player with multiple World Cup knockout game-winners as a substitute.
- Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi became only the second teenage quarter-final pairing since Pelé and Altafini in 1958.
- Yamal has one goal and zero assists in six World Cup appearances but remains influential in Spain's attack.
- Spain will face France in the first semi-final in Dallas next Tuesday, per the Guardian.
How did Mikel Merino become Spain's unlikely hero again?
Mikel Merino was introduced in the 86th minute with the quarter-final locked at 1-1. Two minutes later, Pau Cubarsi's strike slipped through replacement goalkeeper Senne Lammens, and Merino slammed the rebound home on his second touch.
The Guardian noted it was the same script that eliminated Germany at Euro 2024 and Portugal four days earlier. Merino arrived at 85:32 and scored at 87:28 to send Spain through.
ESPN reports he is the first player ever with multiple knockout-stage game-winners as a substitute at a FIFA World Cup. He is also the first in 60 years to score two game-winning goals after the 87th minute in World Cup knockouts.
Why hasn't Lamine Yamal lit up the World Cup yet?
Pre-tournament hype centred on Lamine Yamal, yet the Barcelona teenager has one goal and zero assists across six appearances at this World Cup, according to the BBC. Against Belgium he tested Thibaut Courtois and hit the side-netting but stayed largely on the periphery.
Manager Luis de la Fuente said Yamal is influential even without goals, using dribbling and pace to create space for teammates. At times he has shot when a pass was better—a habit de la Fuente likened to Lionel Messi's occasional wrong calls.
Spain now need more from their teenage star. Merino's late heroics have set up a mouthwatering showdown with Kylian Mbappé's France, and de la Fuente believes Yamal has more to give at the right time.
What happened in Spain's tense 2-1 win over Belgium?
Fabián Ruiz gave Spain a 30th-minute lead before Charles de Ketelaere equalised in the 41st minute. Belgium, with Kevin de Bruyne and Jérémy Doku back in the lineup, pushed Spain close in a tense second half in Los Angeles.
Thibaut Courtois was forced off injured, and Lammens was unable to hold Cubarsi's effort when it mattered most. The Guardian's live blog followed a tie that looked headed for extra time until Merino pounced in the 88th minute.
Spain and Belgium were locked level for much of the contest after the first-half exchanges. ESPN adds that Yamal's six outings are the most by any player aged 18 or younger at a single World Cup.
What does the France semi-final mean for Spain?
Spain will play France in the first World Cup semi-final in Dallas next Tuesday, with a place in the final on the line. The BBC says Merino's latest heroics set up a showdown between Mbappé and Yamal, who is yet to make his mark at this tournament.
For readers following how sports coverage and viewing tech evolve across global tournaments, see our Future Tech & AI Wonders section. The on-pitch question is whether Yamal finally delivers the show Spain have been waiting for against a free-scoring French side.