Spain Secures Semifinal Spot in FIFA World Cup 2026 After Thrilling Victory Over Belgium

Spain has reached the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a thrilling 2-1 victory against Belgium. With standout performances from players like Mikel Merino and Lamine Yamal, Spain is set to face France in a highly anticipated match. Yamal's confidence and past victories over France add an intriguing layer to this upcoming clash. Discover the match highlights and what to expect as these two football powerhouses prepare to battle for a place in the final.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 11, 2026, 11:22 IST

Spain Triumphs Over Belgium

On July 10, Spain clinched a place in the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 by overcoming Belgium with a score of 2-1 in Los Angeles. Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring for Spain in the 30th minute, but Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere equalized just before halftime in the 41st minute. The decisive moment came when Mikel Merino, who had come off the bench for the second consecutive match, netted the winning goal in the 88th minute, securing Spain's advancement to the final four. The reigning European champions will now face France in the semifinals.

Lamine Yamal's Bold Statement Ahead of France Clash

Lamine Yamal's Warning To France

Spain's young talent, Lamine Yamal, has sent a clear message to France ahead of their crucial semifinal match scheduled for July 14 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Yamal expressed confidence, noting that Spain has previously defeated France twice, suggesting that the French team should be cautious. “We’re thrilled to be in the semifinals and proud of our qualification. We’ve shown our superiority. Other teams are trailing behind us. Our goal is to win, and that’s what matters most,” Yamal stated in an interview after the victory over Belgium. He added, “If anyone should be concerned, it’s them (France) — we eliminated them from the Euros. We’ve beaten them twice. We’re not intimidated. Both teams are among the best globally, and we’ll see how it unfolds, but we have no fear.”

Historical Context of Spain vs. France

Yamal vs Mbappe

In the context of their historical encounters, Spain and France have met only once in World Cup history. This took place during the Round of 16 in the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Hanover, Germany, where France emerged victorious with a 3-1 scoreline. Spain initially took the lead with a penalty from David Villa in the 28th minute, but France made a remarkable comeback, with Franck Ribéry equalizing in the 41st minute, followed by goals from Patrick Vieira and Zinedine Zidane in the 83rd and 92nd minutes, respectively, propelling Les Bleus to the quarterfinals.

As the two teams prepare to clash, the spotlight will also be on two of football's brightest stars: Yamal and Kylian Mbappe. Currently, Mbappe is leading the Golden Boot race with eight goals and three assists in five matches, while Yamal, despite having scored only once, has been instrumental in Spain's attack, showcasing his dribbling skills and vision. With nine shots in the last two matches, Yamal leads the World Cup in chances created, highlighting his vital role in La Roja's offensive strategy.