​Final grades for Spain vs. Belgium, highlighting La Roja’s 2-1 win to reach the 2026 World Cup semifinals in Los Angeles. The Sporting News presents the preferred source designation for this piece. Spain secured a first semifinals appearance since their 2010 title run by outlasting Belgium on Friday, with goals from Fabian Ruiz and Mikel Merino, the latter strike arriving just two minutes from stoppage to seal the victory. Belgium’s goalkeeper Senne Lammens, subbed in after Thibaut Courtois went off with an injury, bore the blame for the decisive moment after an error allowed the winner. Belgium pushed hard, with Charles De Ketelaere finding the net for the second knockout game running, yet they were overrun in midfield and could not wrest control of the match. The result extended Spain’s unbeaten run to 36 games, while Belgium saw its 18-match streak ended. The Sporting News offers a full slate of player ratings, evaluating each player’s contributions from the opening whistle to the final whistle.
Match context and setting: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California. Referee: Michael Oliver (England). Spain lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, from right to left: 23. Simon (GK) — 12. Porro, 22. Cubarsí, 14. Laporte, 24. Cucurella — 16. Rodri, 8. F. Ruiz (Pedri, 55’) — 19. Lamine Yamal, 10. Olmo (Merino, 86’), 15. Baena (F. Torres, 55’) — 21. Oyarzabal (N. Williams, 80’). Belgium started in a 4-2-3-1: 1. Courtois (GK — Lammens, 70’) — 21. Castagne, 25. Ngoy, 4. Mechele, 5. De Cuyper — 23. Raskin, 20. Vanaken (Witsel, 60’) — 11. Doku, 7. De Bruyne (Saelemaekers, 86’), 10. Trossard (Lukaku, 60’) — 17. De Ketelaere.
All ratings are on a 10-point scale. Goalkeeper: Unai Simon — 5. The first half wasn’t ideal. He conceded the only shot on target he faced and managed just one of his four long balls successfully. He ended with a single save, but his distribution was generally lacking, finishing 3-of-11 on long balls. His 12 recoveries were a useful boost amid Belgium’s aerial forays into Spain’s penalty area. He nearly spilled a late cross in stoppage time, but was fouled in the end.
Right-back: Pedro Porro — 8. Porro was relentlessly active early on, compensating for Lamine Yamal’s struggles by pressing and shielding effectively. He defended well against Jeremy Doku and advanced to provide dangerous balls into the final third. With over 100 touches, Porro stood out as one of Spain’s most influential players, contributing across all phases of the game.
Center-back: Pau Cubarsi — 7. Cubarsi spent much of the first half with limited defensive duties, enabling him to focus on buildup play, which was impressive. That changed when Belgium pressed aerially, presenting occasional moments that required him to shift and contend with added physicality. Overall, his distribution and composure under pressure helped Spain maintain control of the match.
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