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World Cup14 min read•

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

The lead

July 10, 2026 — SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California, USA — Senne Lammens mistake sends Spain into World Cup semifinal at Belgium's expense. Mikel 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.

How the match unfolded

This Quarter-finals match finished 2-1 for Spain over Belgium in regulation on the official ESPN match center. Spain seized early momentum when Fabián Ruiz (Spain) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the high centre of the goal. in the 30'. The middle phases featured 1 more goal as both sides traded blows in a tense knockout atmosphere. The final swing came in 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:

  • Foul by Axel Witsel (Belgium).
  • Rodri (Spain) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
  • Axel Witsel (Belgium) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
  • Foul by Romelu Lukaku (Belgium).
  • Unai Simón (Spain) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
  • Attempt saved. Marc Cucurella (Spain) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner by Senne Lammens (Belgium). Assisted by Mikel Merino.
  • Second Half ends, Spain 2, Belgium 1.

    • Goal-by-goal

  • 30' — Spain: Fabián Ruiz (Spain) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the high centre of the goal.
  • 41' — Belgium: Charles De Ketelaere (Belgium) header from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Timothy Castagne with a cross.
  • 88' — Spain: Mikel Merino (Spain) left footed shot from very close range to the top left corner.

    • Cards, fouls, and controversy

    Mikel 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 in the tournament

    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.

    What comes next

    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.*

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