2026 FIFA blog
Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final at Inglewood through Luis de la Fuente’s precise squad management and late-game execution. Fabian Ruiz justified his surprise start ahead of Pedri by opening the scoring with intelligent positioning and vertical passing, while Mikel Merino continued his super-substitute role by netting the 88th-minute winner after substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled Pau Cubarsí’s low strike. The victory eliminated Belgium’s veteran core and set up a semi-final clash with France, though questions remain about whether Spain’s reliance on late goals will suffice against stronger opposition.
