Spain has advanced to the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals by defeating Belgium 2–1 in Los Angeles on Friday, July 10. Charles De Ketelaere broke through Spain’s defense and equalized for Belgium in the 41st minute after Fabian Ruiz gave Spain the lead in the 30th minute of the first half. After entering the game as a substitute for the second consecutive game, Mikel Merino scored the game-winning goal in the 88th minute and ensured that his team will seal a spot in the final four.
Spain advanced to the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating Belgium in the second quarterfinal. The 2024 European champions will play France in the round of four.
Lamine Yamal’s Warning To France
Spain’s 18-year-old star Lamine Yamal has issued a warning to France ahead of the high-stakes showdown between Spain and France, which is set for July 14 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Yamal claims that since La Roja has already defeated Les Bleus twice, France should be wary of Spain before the semifinal.
“We’re very happy to be in the semis. Very pleased with the qualification. We’ve been far superior. All the other teams are behind us. We came here to win, and that’s all that matters,” Yamal told TV Espana after Spain’s victory over Belgium.
“If anyone should be afraid, it should be them (France) — we knocked them out of the Euros. We’ve beaten them twice. We’re not afraid of them. Obviously, we are two great teams, among the best in the world. We’ll see what happens, but we have no fear,” he added.
In the history of the FIFA World Cup, Spain and France have only faced each other once. Their only encounter occurred in the 2006 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 at Hanover, Germany, where France won 3–1. David Villa’s penalty kick in the 28th minute gave Spain the lead, but France pulled off an incredible comeback when Franck Ribéry equalized in the 41st, followed by goals from Patrick Vieira and Zinedine Zidane in the 83rd and 92nd minutes, respectively, to advance Les Bleus to the quarterfinals.
Yamal vs Mbappe
Two of the biggest names in world football currently will also face off in Tuesday’s match. With eight goals and three assists in five games, Mbappe is leading the Golden Boot race alongside Lionel Messi. Yamal’s data presents a different picture. Despite just scoring once, he has continuously been Spain’s creative engine, torturing opponents with his dribbling, movement, and vision.
Yamal has had a huge overall impact. With nine shots in Spain’s last two games, the teenager leads the World Cup in chances created with 17, demonstrating how crucial he has become to La Roja’s offense.
