​The first semifinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set, with Spain and France poised to meet next Tuesday, the 14th, in what promises to be a highly anticipated clash. The latest results from the tournament saw La Roja secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Belgium in front of a sell-out crowd of 70,462 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles this past Friday. The Belgian side pushed hard, and a mistake by Courtois’s replacement after an injury during the match, plus a second goal from Mikel Merino, swung the game in Spain’s favor.
Spain’s run continues to impress as they extend their unbeaten streak to 36 matches, the longest current run in world football. Only Italy, with 37 consecutive matches between 2018 and 2021, has enjoyed a longer stretch without defeat in the modern era. With the victory over Belgium, Spain kept their momentum intact as they march toward the semifinals, where they will seek to reach the final for a chance to claim the title.
Highlight reels are expected soon as Luis de la Fuente made several notable selections for the lineup. He opted to start Fabián Ruiz in place of Pedri, a decision that reflected a broader strategy to maximize Spain’s ball control and attacking intent. The Iberians dominated possession and dictated the tempo, yet what remained missing at times was a consistent surge of dangerous attacking moments that would convert pressure into a decisive lead.
The breakthrough finally arrived when a stylish combination between Pedro Porro and Lamine Yamal opened space for Dani Olmo, only for Courtois to deny him. The rebound, however, fell perfectly to Fabián Ruiz, who volleyed home in the 30th minute to give Spain the lead. Yamal then tested Courtois with a precise free-kick and, later, showcased his individual prowess with another surging run that nearly doubled the advantage.
Belgium were not prepared to fold, and they hit back through a well-timed counter after gaining some space. Kevin De Bruyne orchestrated the attack, Castagne delivered a dangerous cross, and Charles De Ketelaere finished decisively after briefly coming back onside (41st minute). That goal marked the first time Spain had conceded at this World Cup, ending Unai Simón’s impressive 649-minute shutout run dating back to the round of 16 in Qatar.
The second half brought renewed energy from both sides, but Spain continued to be the more dangerous team, even as Belgium sought to exploit quick counterattacks. Tielemans had already exited the game with an injury before kickoff, and Courtois’s night ended prematurely in the 71st minute due to another issue, forcing Belgium to endure a goalkeeper change under pressure.
Spain remained the better footballing side, maintaining tempo and control while Belgium pressed for a late equalizer. The decisive moment, however, came in the 88th minute when Cubarsí took a long-range shot that Lammens spilled, only for Merino—who had re-entered the field moments earlier—to pounce on the rebound and tap the ball into the net. It was the midfielder’s second consecutive performance-making contribution, underscoring his reputation as a decisive substitute in big matches.
Belgium pressed on, unwilling to concede, and Unai Simón produced late drama with another strong save to preserve Spain’s lead. In the end, Spain booked their place in the semifinals with a 2-1 win that showcased their quality, resilience, and tactical discipline. The victors advance to meet France in Dallas, where the winner will secure a place in the final against the winner of the other semifinal between Norway, England, Argentina, or Switzerland. The second semifinal match will be decided this Saturday.
This article has been translated into English by AI, and you can read the original Portuguese version here for reference. The match demonstrated Spain’s superior possession and attacking intent, their ability to capitalize on opportunities, and their continued ascent as a powerhouse of modern football. The road to the final now runs through Dallas, and Spain will be looking to maintain their remarkable unbeaten run while France seeks to halt their progression and advance toward the ultimate prize.