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Mikel Merino fires Spain past Belgium with World Cup semi-final goal

2026-07-15 · Mikel Merino · Match Report

Mikel Merino fires Spain past Belgium with World Cup semi-final goal

Mikel Merino struck again in stoppage time to send Spain through to the World Cup semi-finals, outshining Lamine Yamal and Belgium’s big names in a 2-1 victory on 18 June.**

Spain fought back from a two-goal deficit to force extra time, then Merino pounced on Senne Lammens’ fumble to fire home the winner. The 30-year-old, unused at the start, had already turned the round of 16 tie against Portugal with a late strike. His 12 goals in 49 caps now include six in the last 18 months-a surge that began when Arsenal’s striker crisis forced Mikel Arteta to play him up front.

What happened in the Belgium clash?

Spain trailed Belgium 1-0 inside 10 minutes after Charles De Ketelaere’s early strike. Fabian Ruiz equalised before half-time, but Belgium nearly restored their lead when Lammens spilled Pau Cubarsi’s shot. Merino, on for just 11 minutes including added time, slid in to slot home the rebound.

The midfielder also created a chance, won a free-kick and two duels, and made a clearance. Spanish outlets hailed him as a “saviour.” AS’ Héctor Martínez wrote Merino was “once again the saviour,” while Sport’s Sergi Pérez Estevez called him part of a “unique trilogy” of players who change history in the final minutes.

Why Merino’s World Cup role matters

Merino arrived at Arsenal in summer 2024 as a box-to-box midfielder who could score. By January 2025, injuries forced Arteta to play him as a makeshift striker. It worked-he has now scored against Chelsea, PSV and Real Madrid in key games.

His transformation into a regular goal threat off the bench has turned him into Spain’s go-to super-sub. At 30, he has added a new dimension to a side chasing back-to-back Euros and World Cup glory.

What’s next for Spain and Merino?

Spain face France in the semi-finals next week, aiming to repeat the 2010 double of Euros followed by World Cup. Merino’s knack for late drama makes him a wildcard in any tie.

For Arsenal, his form proves a midfielder can still unlock defences even when deployed out of position. The Gunners will hope he keeps delivering when it matters most.

More Mikel Merino news →