World Cup
Spanje reaches WK 2026 semi‑final after Belgium slip, eyes France clash
Spanje secured a place in the World Cup 2026 semi‑final after a dramatic quarter‑final win over België, who fell 2‑1. The match turned on a costly mistake by substitute keeper Senne Lammens, who let in Mikel Merino’s decisive goal, setting up a showdown with Frankrijk.
The quarter‑final ended with Spain edging Belgium 2‑1, handing the Belgians a narrow defeat. Spain’s attack broke the deadlock before Belgium could respond.
Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens was drafted in after the first‑choice Thibaut Courtois suffered an injury earlier in the tournament. His inclusion was forced by the injury.
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Lammens’ error came when he failed to collect a cross, allowing Mikel Merino to tap in the winning goal. The blunder proved decisive. The Belgische side struggled to recover after conceding. Their midfield could not create enough chances to level the score. The victory propels Spain into the WK 2026 semi‑final, where they will meet France, setting up a high‑stakes encounter. Both teams now prepare for a crucial clash.