Man City 2026 World Cup Watch: Jeremy Doku and Belgium eliminated after Spain’s late, late show | OneFootball

Spain are through to the World Cup semi-finals after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles, sealed by substitute Mikel Merino’s 88th-minute winner to set up an all-European showdown with France.

Luis de la Fuente‘s side made the brighter start and were rewarded when Fabián Ruiz broke the deadlock to give La Roja the lead they deserved.

Belgium, already without injured captain Youri Tielemans – who pulled up during the warm-up – hit back before half-time through Charles De Ketelaere – and the two sides went in level at the break after an entertaining opening 45 minutes.

The second half was tighter, with Spain dominating possession and generating the better chances but Thibaut Courtois – until an injury forced him off – produced several sharp saves to keep Belgium alive.

Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal both went close but the reigning European champions couldn’t find the decisive moment until Merino arrived off the bench.

The Arsenal star, who has now made a habit of match-winning cameos at this tournament, pounced on a rebound after replacement keeper Senne Lammens spilled a Pau Cubarsí effort at close range – punishing the one moment of frailty Belgium could ill afford.

Spain‘s statistical dominance throughout, producing more than twice Belgium’s expected goals across the 90 minutes, told the story of a game they controlled without ever quite putting to bed.

For Belgium’s golden generation, it is the end of the road. For Spain, a second world title is now within striking distance.

Jeremy Doku match statistics vs Spain

Minutes Played – 90

Assists – 0

Expected Assists (xA) – 0.09

Key Passes – 1

Crosses (Accurate) – 2 (1)

Accurate Passes – 15/19 (79%)

Passes in Opposition Half (Accurate) – 12/15 (80%)

Passes in Own Half (Accurate) – 3/4 (75%)

Long balls (Accurate) – 1/1 (100%)

Touches – 47

Unsuccessful Touches – 4

Dribbles (Successful) – 10 (5)

Was Fouled – 5

Possession Lost – 15

Total Carrying Distance – 270m

Carries – 22

Progressive Carries – 5

Total Progression – 198.1m

Progressive Carrying Distance – 107.5m

Longest Progressive Carry – 25.9m

Defensive Contributions – 3

Tackles (Won) – 1 (1)

Interceptions – 2

Clearances – 0

Blocked shots – 0

Recoveries – 5

Ground Duels (Won) – 22 (11)

Fouls – 3

Dribbled Past – 3

Rodri match statistics vs Belgium

Minutes Played – 90

Goals – 0

Expected Goals (xG) – 0.13

Total Shots – 1

Shots on Target – 0

Shots Blocked – 1

Assists – 0

Expected Assists (xA) – 0.31

Key Passes – 2

Crosses (Accurate) – 1 (0)

Accurate Passes – 98/104 (94%)

Passes in Opposition Half (Accurate) – 61/63 (97%)

Passes in Own Half (Accurate) – 37/41 (90%)

Long Balls (Accurate) – 6/7 (86%)

Touches – 118

Unsuccessful Touches – 3

Dribbles (Successful) – 0 (0)

Was Fouled – 1

Possession Lost – 11

Total Carrying Distance – 313.7m

Carries – 35

Progressive Carries – 3

Total Progression – 196.2m

Progressive Carrying Distance – 43.8m

Longest Progressive Carry – 15.4m

Data taken from Sofascore.