Spain has advanced to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium. The winning goal came in the 88th minute from Mikel Merino, continuing his trend of late-game heroics in this tournament. This is the second time in this World Cup that Merino has scored a decisive late goal, having also done so against Portugal in the Round of 16.

The match was tightly contested, with Belgium equalizing after Spain took an early lead through Fabian Ruiz. However, a costly error by Belgium's substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens allowed Merino to score the decisive goal. Spain's manager, Luis de la Fuente, praised Merino's impact, saying, "When I look at Mikel Merino, I feel very serene." The team is now focused on their semi-final match against France, scheduled for July 14 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Lamine Yamal, who was named man of the match despite not scoring or assisting, expressed confidence in the team's abilities. "We are the two best teams. We go without fear because, if someone can go with security against France, it's us," he said. Yamal, who has been a standout player for Spain throughout the tournament, downplayed his lack of goals, stating, "If we are world champions, no one will ask if I scored or not. As long as we keep advancing, I'm very happy."

France, on the other hand, has had an impressive run in the tournament, defeating Morocco 2-0 in their quarter-final match. Kylian Mbappe, France's star player, has been in top form, scoring his eighth goal of the tournament. The French team is seen as a strong contender, but they are wary of the Spanish team's abilities.

The semi-final between Spain and France is highly anticipated, with both teams seen as strong contenders for the title. Spain's recent record against France is positive, having beaten them in the semi-finals of the 2024 Euro and the UEFA Nations League. However, France's manager, Didier Deschamps, has shown respect for the Spanish team. "The absolute favorite is Spain, I have no doubt," he said earlier in the tournament.

The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams boasting talented squads and a desire to reach the final. Spain will be looking to add to their 2010 World Cup victory, while France aims to defend their 2018 title.

In the lead-up to the match, there has been a lot of discussion about the key players and their performances. Mikel Merino has become a hero for the Spanish team, with his late goals securing victories in the last two matches. Lamine Yamal has also been a key player for Spain, with his performances earning him the man of the match award against Belgium.

France's star player Kylian Mbappe will be a key player for his team in the semi-final. His performances in the tournament have been impressive, and he will be looking to continue his good form against Spain.

The match is also significant in the context of the historical rivalry between Spain and France. The two teams have faced each other in major tournaments before, with Spain coming out on top in recent encounters. However, France has a strong record in the World Cup, having won the tournament in 1998 and 2018.

The semi-final match is expected to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams boasting talented squads and a desire to reach the final. The match is scheduled for July 14 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and it promises to be a highlight of the 2026 World Cup.

In other news, Argentina is set to face Switzerland in another quarter-final match. The Argentine team, led by Lionel Messi, is looking to defend their title, but they face a tough challenge from the Swiss team, who have shown resilience in this tournament.

But for now, all eyes are on the Spain vs France semi-final, a match that promises to be a thrilling encounter and a highlight of the 2026 World Cup.

Bluesky Threads

Source Intelligence

23 sources11 countries

Geographic Origin20 located

3 further sources not geolocated

Political Spectrum13 mapped

Articles

EN IMAGES - Léquipe de France victorieuse face au Maroc à travers lécran de la photographe Florence Pernet La jeune photographe, passionnée de sport, documente cette Coupe du monde depuis chez elle. Retour sur la rencontre France-Maroc, quelle a couverte à loccasion du Libé des photographes.

liberation · about 4 hours ago

Datenerfassung: Ist künstliche Intelligenz die Zukunft des Fußballs? Gemini sponsert Argentinien, Sensoren im Ball, digitale Zwillinge der Spieler: Was bringt das alles? Wir haben den Data-Scientist der Nationalmannschaft gefragt.

die zeit · about 4 hours ago

Španělé mají ještě potenciál se zlepšit, Francie už hraje naplno, říká o mistrovství Horváth Čtvrtfinálový program fotbalového šampionátu je zatím bez velkého překvapení. Po Francii včera do semifinále postoupilo i Španělsko, i když vítězný gól na 2:1 proti Belgii vstřelilo v samém závěru, navíc po velké chybě náhradního belgického brankáře. O svůj názor na dosavadní průběh šampionátu se podělil expert Radiožurnálu Sport Pavel Horváth.

irozhlas.cz · about 4 hours ago

Belgio, scoppia il caso Courtois. Il portiere contro Garcia dopo il cambio: Gli ho detto che volevo continuare. Poi minaccia laddio alla Nazionale Leliminazione del Belgio nei quarti di finale del Mondiale 2026 contro la Spagna ha portato anche a un caso che coinvolge Thibaut Courtois e il commissario tecnico Rudi Garcia. Dopo il ko per 2-1- con gol decisivo di Merino al minuto 88 su incertezza di Lammens – che ha portato le Furie Rosse in semifinale, […] Larticolo Belgio, scoppia il caso Courtois. Il portiere contro Garcia dopo il cambio: Gli ho detto che volevo continuare. Poi minaccia laddio alla Nazionale proviene da Il Fatto Quotidiano.

il fatto quotidiano · about 4 hours ago

Președintele Emmanuel Macron se va afla în tribune la New York dacă Franța va disputa finala CM 2026 Franța se pregătește pentru semifinala Cupei Mondiale cu Spania.

adevarul · about 4 hours ago

Argentina, Switzerland renew World Cup rivalry 12 years after thriller Argentina and Switzerland meet again in the World Cup knockout stage on Saturday carrying memories of a tense match 12 years ago in Brazil, when Angel Di Marias extra-time strike finally broke Swiss resistance and sent Lionel Messis side through. Much has changed since that round-of-16 clash in Sao Paulo. Back then, Argentina were trying […]

cyprus mail · about 4 hours ago

France beat Morocco to reach 2026 World Cup semifinals Kylian Mbappe scored his eighth goal of the tournament as France defeated Morocco 2-0 on Thursday at Gillette Stadium in Boston to become the first team to book a place in the 2026 World Cup semifinals, ending the North African sides impressive run and setting up a last-four clash with either Spain or Belgium on Tuesday.

yenisafak · about 4 hours ago

Espanha mostra-nos que utilizar os "talismãs" pode funcionar Pelo segundo jogo consecutivo, a Espanha vencer graças a um golo de Mikel Merino na reta final do encontro. Assim, espanhóis e franceses têm encontro marcado nas meias.

observador · about 4 hours ago

WM-Viertelfinalist Schweiz: Die letzten Exoten Das europäische Kap Verde? Das Curaçao der Alpen? Das Haiti Europas? Was wir über die Schweiz wissen, den unbekanntesten WM-Viertelfinalisten der WM. mehr...

taz.de · about 4 hours ago

"Argentinien ist nicht unbesiegbar": Die Schweiz will Lionel Messi stoppen 2014 verloren die Eidgenossen gegen Argentinien im Achtelfinale erst nach Verlängerung, nun soll der erstmalige Sprung ins WM-Halbfinale gelingen. Der Weltmeister bewies zuletzt Kampfgeist

der standard · about 4 hours ago

Un Óscar para Lamine, dos buenos presagios y un aviso: "Si alguien puede ir con seguridad contra Francia, somos nosotros" Protagonista indiscutible en la Eurocopa, la estrella de España recuerda que sólo marcó un gol e insiste en que no está ansioso. Su socio en 2024, Nico Williams, vuelve a jugar después de un "año de miseria" y avisa de que los jóvenes, volverán. Leer

elmundo · about 4 hours ago

Nous navons pas peur des Français : lEspagne peut-elle éliminer les Bleus en demi-finale ? Les footballeurs français et espagnols se rencontreront mardi 14 juillet à Arlington. La presse espagnole veut croire en son équipe et son héros inattendu Mikel Merino. Mais si les pronostics restent serrés, certains estiment que la France reste la grande favorite de cette Coupe du monde.

courrier international · about 4 hours ago

World Cup 2026 : Spain set for blockbuster semi final against France Paris Saint Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz, who started ahead of Pedri, gave la Roja the lead in the 30th minute, capitalizing on a rebound off a Thibaud Courtois save. Belgium though brought it back level 11 minute later with a powerful De Ketelaere header, therefore ending Spains remarkable run of 649 minutes without conceding at a World Cup. The second half was tough for Belgium; especially after their star keeper Thibaud Courtois broke down in tears when he suffered what seemed to be a thigh injury and was taken off the pitch in the 77th minute. Manchester United goalie Senne Lammens was given those big gloves to fill. Unfortunately for him he failed to keep a hold of a Spanish shot, and Mikel Merino pounced on the rebound to make it two-one for Spain. Mikel Merino once again coming in clutch, scoring the winner 100 seconds after coming on to the pitch from the bench much like during the match against Portugal. La Roja will therefore be playing France, in only their second ever World Cup semi final, the last one was in 2010, and they went on to lift the trophy.

france24 · about 4 hours ago

Jesus no comando traz a fé que faltava aos portugueses? JJ assume a pasta de Martínez e pede uma seleção que jogue o dobro. Espanha está a beneficiar da sorte? "Haaland mania" quer levar a Noruega às meias, Suíça tenta surpreender Messi e companhia.

observador · about 4 hours ago

From Arsenal jeers to Swiss tears: Xhakas redemption Granit Xhaka has battled back from being booed by his own fans at Arsenal to being one of the most influential players for club and country as he looks to help Switzerland make history at the World Cup.

bbc sport · about 4 hours ago

Should Argentina take Messi off penalties? Lionel Messi keeps rewriting World Cup history, but after his latest miss from the spot, should Argentina hand penalty duties to someone else?

bbc sport · about 4 hours ago

Hackers sturen mail vanuit Argentijnse voetbalbond: Gerechtigheid voor Egypte Hackers hebben in naam van de Argentijnse bond een mail gestuurd naar verschillende media. Daarin wordt geschreven dat er "corrupte scheidsrechterlijke beslissingen" zijn genomen in de achtste finale van Argentinië tegen Egypte.

nu.nl · about 4 hours ago

„Ein völlig unfairer Prozess – Das sagt Lehmann zum belgischen Torwartdrama Nach dem Drama-Aus gegen Spanien nimmt WM-Experte Jens Lehmann Belgiens Ersatztorwart in Schutz, kritisiert aber dennoch die heutige Torwartausbildung. Thomas Tuchel sieht er vor dem Viertelfinale gegen Norwegen unter riesigem Druck.

welt.de · about 4 hours ago

Ο Μπραντ Πιτ και η Ινές ντε Ραμόν έκλεψαν τα βλέμματα στο Ισπανία – Βέλγιο, δείτε βίντεο Ο διάσημος ηθοποιός παρακολούθησε από τις VIP εξέδρες του SoFi Stadium τον προημιτελικό του Παγκοσμίου Κυπέλλου, έχοντας στο πλευρό του τη σύντροφό του Ινές ντε Ραμόν.

protothema · about 4 hours ago

Βλάχος στο Protothema Sports: «Θα κατακτήσει το Μουντιάλ ευρωπαϊκή ομάδα, θα ήθελα την Αγγλία», δείτε βίντεο Ο ομοσπονδιακός τεχνικός της εθνικής πόλο σχολίασε τα τεκταινόμενα στο Μουντιάλ κάνοντας τις προβλέψεις του, ενώ αποκάλυψε ότι αγαπημένη του παίκτες για να παρακολουθεί είναι ο Φορτούνης και ο Μέσι

protothema · about 4 hours ago

Una clasificación desde el aire: Así se vivió el España-Bélgica dentro de un avión Crónica del vuelo DL314, donde hubo suspense y pasión en la segunda parte del partido de Los Ángeles

la vanguardia · about 4 hours ago

El polémico comentario del expresidente Rajoy sobre la selección francesa El gallego escribe periódicamete un artículo sobre el Mundial 2026 para el diario digital El Debate

la vanguardia · about 4 hours ago

En Francia pasan de los elogios a los bleus a la alerta roja por el cruce ante España La prensa y el seleccionador francés, Didier Deschamps, muestran respeto al combinado español antes de las semifinales pese a la exuberancia ofensiva de los franceses

la vanguardia · about 4 hours ago

Scaloni, lautre Lionel, a redonné une identité à la sélection argentine Discret et très proche de ses joueurs, Lionel Scaloni est le mage de la sélection argentine. Arrivé à ce poste clé presque par hasard, il est aujourdhui unanimement célébré pour ses résultats et le respect quil a su inspirer aux joueurs et aux supporteurs argentins.

courrier international · about 4 hours ago

Argentina ne podcenjuje Švice; Xhaka sporoča navijačem: "Še naprej sanjajte" "Ni lahkih tekmecev, vsi to vemo. Zame je Švica izjemna ekipa," pred četrtfinalnim dvobojem opozarja selektor Argentine Lionel Scaloni. Kapetan Švice Granit Xhaka na drugi strani verjame v preboj v polfinale.

rtv slovenia · about 4 hours ago

Cupa Mondială 2026: Cum își petrec serile Haaland și iubita lui, fostă fotbalistă și ea. „O să fie puțin jenant că spun asta Erling Haaland (25 de ani), unul dintre starurile Cupei Mondiale din 2026, a povestit cum a cunoscut-o pe partenera lui de viață, modelul și influencerul norvegian Isabel Haugseng Johansen (22 de ani), și cum le place să își petreacă serile împreună. Atacantul lui Manchester City a dezvăluit, într-un interviu acordat postului norvegian NRK, că iubitei …

hotnews.ro · about 4 hours ago

Lamine Yamal, desemnat omul meciului la Mondial cu statistici zderobitoare: fără gol sau assist și 21 de mingi pierdute Spania a trecut de Belgia și și-a asigurat locul în semifinalele Cupei Mondiale 2026.

adevarul · about 5 hours ago

Pressestimmen zu Spaniens Sieg: Der „heilige Merino und Pechvogel Lammens Kaum ins Spiel gekommen, nutzt Mikel Merino einen Fehler von Belgiens Ersatztorwart Senne Lammens: Nun erwarten die Spanier einen Blockbuster bei der WM. Die Pressestimmen.

faz · about 5 hours ago

Rajoy, sobre la selección de Francia: "Tiene un altísimo nivel, eso sí, sin franceses" El expresidente del Gobierno alienta en un artículo periodístico las tesis racistas de la ultraderecha francesa sobre su selecciónLa periferia multicultural francesa persigue de nuevo el sueño mundialista frente al ascenso de la extrema derecha El expresidente del Gobierno, Mariano Rajoy, ha recuperado una vez más su versión de columnista deportivo con sus particulares crónicas —por decir algo— tras los partidos de la selección española. Pero, tal vez impulsado por la radicalización del espacio político de la derecha, esta vez Rajoy se ha pasado de frenada y se ha dejado llevar por la ola racista y xenófoba europea. Después de un par de comentarios y chascarrillos sobre la victoria de España frente a Bélgica, que básicamente consistió en un repaso cronológico por el paso de la selección europea por el Mundial, el verdadero Rajoy entró en juego. Hoy llegó el desquite. Les hemos devuelto la pelota, señalaba el expresidente del PP, alegando la eliminación española en cuartos de final en el Mundial de 1986 a manos de los Diablos Rojos. Y añadía, además, que se alegraba doblemente. Por vencer a los diablos y a los rojos, que no le gustan salvo la excepción que confirma la regla general, que es la camiseta de España. No faltó la pullita contra los socialistas: Basta con mirar hacia atrás o, simplemente, ver lo que sucede hoy en nuestro país. Así que esta victoria me sabe mejor. Tras un breve repaso para recordar que con su pase a semifinales España está ya entre las cuatro mejores selecciones del mundo, Rajoy pasa a su fase preferida: la cábala. ¿Qué pasará? No resulta fácil dar una respuesta a semejante pregunta, señalaba casi retórciamente. Para añadir que Francia llegó a la última final, que tiene dos mundiales o que ha ganado todos sus partidos en esta competición. Y, luego ya, un poco de racismo. Tiene, además, una plantilla de altísimo nivel. Eso sí, sin franceses. Suponemos que, para Rajoy, ni siquiera el rubio Rabiot es lo suficientemente francés al haber nacido fuera de la circunvalación periférica de la capital. Como contábamos al inicio de la Copa del Mundo, apenas tres futbolistas de la plantilla de 26 jugadores de Francia no nacieron en el país europeo: Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram y Brice Samba. Poco más dijo Rajoy, que asegura que no quiere meterse en problemas por si le hacen caso y luego no sale bien. La duda es si sus palabras se acercan o no a los comentarios racistas de la senadora liberal paraguaya que casi provoca una crisis diplomática con la República francesa.

eldiario.es · about 5 hours ago

Fußball-WM: Argentinien-Hack: Spuren führen nach Ägypten Zum mutmaßlichen Cyberangriff auf den argentinischen Fußballverband werden neue Details bekannt. Stimmt ein Medienbericht, dann hängt die Hacker-Attacke mit Ägyptens Frust nach dem WM-Aus zusammen.

tagesspiegel · about 5 hours ago