Spain Scores Last-Minute Goal to Reach World Cup Semifinals

Spain just pulled off one of the most thrilling comebacks of the 2026 World Cup, scoring in the dying moments to knock out Belgium and keep their championship dreams alive.

The match in Inglewood, California had everything a soccer fan could ask for. Spain's Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring in the 30th minute, slotting home a rebound after Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made the initial save.

Young star Lamine Yamal continued to dazzle down the right flank for Barcelona, nearly extending Spain's lead with a close shot that flashed just wide. But Belgium wasn't ready to go home quietly.

Charles De Ketelaere headed in an equalizer about 11 minutes after Spain's opener, marking the first goal La Roja had conceded all tournament. The teams headed into halftime locked at 1-1, with everything still to play for.

The second half became a tense battle of wills. Spain brought on fresh legs with Pedri and Ferran Torres, but the decisive moment seemed elusive as regulation time ticked away.

Then drama struck in the 71st minute when Courtois, Real Madrid's star goalkeeper, left the pitch with an injury. Replacement keeper Senne Lammens stepped in, facing an enormous challenge in his first World Cup action.

As the clock wound down and extra time loomed, Pau Cubarsí unleashed a shot from outside the box. Lammens couldn't hold it, and Merino pounced on the loose ball, firing it past the Manchester United keeper to spark wild celebrations.

The Ripple Effect

Spain's victory sets up a semifinal showdown with France in Dallas on Tuesday, a match that could define both teams' tournaments. France has been arguably the standout performer so far, making this clash one fans have been hoping to see.

The winner will face either England, Norway, Argentina, or Switzerland in the final. England takes on Norway in Miami on Saturday, while Lionel Messi's Argentina faces Switzerland in Kansas City, giving soccer fans around the world even more reasons to celebrate the beautiful game.

For Spain, this victory proves that staying calm under pressure and never giving up can turn dreams into reality.