Spain secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinal on July 10, 2026, thanks to an 88th-minute winner from substitute Mikel Merino. The match saw Spain take an early lead through Fabián Ruiz, but Belgium equalized with a header from Charles De Ketelaere. The turning point came when Belgium's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was injured and replaced by Senne Lammens, who spilled a shot to allow Merino to score. Spain extended their unbeaten run to 37 matches and will face France in the semifinals. Various outlets covered the match with different angles: Premium Times Nigeria and Times of India focused on the dramatic late winner and Spain's record-setting performance, Sky Sports highlighted Merino's personal journey from a mobility scooter injury to becoming a World Cup hero, Mashable provided streaming information, and Al Jazeera emphasized the late drama and the impact of Courtois's injury. The consensus is that Spain's depth and resilience were key, while Belgium's misfortune with injuries cost them dearly.
Spain's dramatic win extends unbeaten run and sets up France clash
The article details the match events, emphasizing Merino's late winner, Spain's unbeaten streak, and Unai Simón's record. It also highlights Spain's next match against France.
Provides a guide to live streaming the match for free via BBC iPlayer and VPNs. Mentions the match context but primarily focuses on access instructions.
Profiles Mikel Merino's remarkable recovery from a foot injury that left him using a mobility scooter, to scoring crucial late winners for Spain. Emphasizes his clutch performances and character.
Focuses on Merino's substitute heroics, Belgium's heartbreak, and key moments like Courtois's injury and Laporte's clearance. Provides match context and quotes from the Spanish coach.
Reports on the match with a focus on the late drama, Lammens's error, and the end of Spain's clean sheet record. Also includes details on De Ketelaere's equalizer and Belgium's late pressure.
The match reinforced Spain's status as a tournament favorite, with their ability to win close games and break records. Belgium's exit was marked by bad luck and what-ifs, particularly regarding Courtois's injury. The coverage varied from celebratory profiles of Merino to practical streaming guides, but all outlets acknowledged the high quality of the contest and the stakes heading into the semifinal against France.
Length of Spain's unbeaten run
| Outlet | Claim |
|---|---|
| Premium Times Nigeria | 36 matches |
| Times of India | 37 matches |
Minutes of Unai Simón's clean sheet record
| Outlet | Claim |
|---|---|
| Premium Times Nigeria | 649 minutes |
| Al Jazeera English | 649 minutes |
| Times of India | 650 minutes |
The coverage collectively paints a picture of a thrilling quarterfinal decided by a substitute's opportunism and a goalkeeping error. Spain's depth is celebrated, while Belgium's misfortune is acknowledged. The absence of any critical analysis of the match's officiating or broader implications suggests a focus on entertainment and human-interest stories. The diversity of angles—from streaming guides to injury comeback tales—shows how sports media tailors coverage to different audiences. Overall, the narrative leans toward Spain's deserved victory, but the 'what if' around Courtois's injury lingers.
Premium Times Nigeria
Al Jazeera English
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