FIFA World Cup 2026: Super sub Mikel loves to rock!

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Spain struck late to beat Belgium 2-1 on Friday and move onto a blockbuster World Cup semi-final against France after a game decided by a goalkeeping error from Senne Lammens. European champions Spain will face the team that have rapidly become tournament favourites in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday.

Spain though were made to sweat on a hot day at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Belgium had fought back from going a goal down to Fabian Ruiz’s silky effort on the half-hour mark, with Charles De Ketelaere bringing them level on 41 minutes. 

Substitute goalie Lammens errs

It was the first goal that Spain have conceded in the entire tournament. As an increasingly tense quarter-final seemed to be heading for extra time, Pau Cubarsi unleashed a shot from 25 yards out that Lammens failed to keep hold of and substitute Mikel Merino was perfectly positioned to poke in the rebound in the 88th minute. It was a heartbreaking moment for the Manchester United goalkeeper but Merino, who had also delivered the killer blow to Portugal in the last 16, turned to the massed ranks of Spanish fans in the 70,492 crowd and celebrated.

Luis de la Fuente

“I don’t even know what to say, I can’t believe it myself. Doing it once, I thought it wouldn’t happen again for a long time — and here we are again. It seems like a coincidence, but if you go in prepared, it can happen again. I’m thrilled,” Merino said of his second winning goal in a row, which came just two minutes after he came onto the pitch. 

Spain full of confidence

“It feels surreal to come on as a substitute and help the team with a goal in two consecutive matches. My teammates kept telling me: ‘You’re going to score again,’ ”  he added. Merino said Spain will relish facing France in the semi-final. “We came here for this and we’re confident in our abilities. It is one of those games you dream of as a kid,” Merino said. 

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said the semi-final would be “a final before the final” given the quality of both teams. De la Fuente also lavished praise on Merino. “Mikel is incredible. He has so many qualities. He could play in any position. We’re lucky to have him. When we need him, he’s always there,” he told reporters.

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Mikel Merino is the only player to score a winner for Spain after coming on as a substitute at the FIFA World Cup

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No of consecutive matches Spain have remained unbeaten for (27 wins, nine draws) — their longest streak ever

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No of goals  Spain have conceded in the ongoing FIFA World Cup

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