Spain 2, Belgium 1: Senne Lammens mistake sends Spain into World Cup semifinal at Belgium's expense

Merino pounced on Lammens in the 88th

July 10, 2026 — SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California, USA — Senne Lammens mistake sends Spain into World Cup semifinal at Belgium's expense. Belgium had a chance to force extra time. Backup keeper Senne Lammens couldn't hold a save, Mikel Merino was there for the rebound, and Spain walked into the World Cup semifinals with a 2-1 win on Friday.

Spain led, Belgium tied it, Spain won late

This Quarter-finals match finished 2-1 for Spain over Belgium in regulation on the official ESPN match center. Spain went ahead when Fabián Ruiz (Spain) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the high centre of the goal. in the 30'. Belgium answered before the break — Charles De Ketelaere's header in the 41' made it 1-1 and kept the quarter-final alive. The winner didn't arrive until the 88', when Mikel Merino (Spain) left footed shot from very close range to the top left corner.. 70,492 fans were in the building at SoFi Stadium.

Key passages from the live ESPN commentary feed:

Every goal

Bookings and the Lammens moment

The late swing came off a save Lammens couldn't smother — Merino scored in the 88th minute on a rebound yielded by backup Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens, and Spain advanced to the World Cup semifinals with a 2-1 victory on Friday.

Bookings: 4 yellow cards were issued per the official match log.

What it means for Spain

Spain leave SoFi Stadium with a result that moves them forward in the 48-team bracket. The knockout result reshapes the path toward the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.

Next up

Spain await the next round while the 2026 World Cup narrows toward the semi-finals and final.

*Sources: ESPN match center, ESPN match feed, FIFA World Cup 2026. AthX covers MLB trading; this recap is for World Cup fans following the North America tournament. Information only; not financial advice.*