Spain edges Belgium to set up semifinal clash with France
In a tightly contested quarterfinal in the Dallas area, Spain edged Belgium 2-1, with Mikel Merino striking in the 88th minute to clinch the win. The goal came on Merino's second touch after he entered the pitch in the 86th minute, instantly changing the tempo of the match.
Spain had taken an early lead through Fabián Ruiz in the 30th minute, but Belgium answered back when Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring in the 41st minute, marking the first time Spain had conceded a goal in the tournament.
The defensive reshuffle saw Senne Lammens, Manchester United's goalkeeper, replace the injured Thibaut Courtois in the 71st minute, a move that added fresh energy to the Belgian backline.
Spain's dominance was underscored by their remarkable unbeaten streak, which now spans 37 matches since March 2023, a run that has placed them among the tournament's most consistent sides.
Looking ahead, the Spanish squad will travel to face France in the semifinals, a rematch of a rivalry that has produced some of the competition's most memorable encounters.