Substitute Mikel Merino struck again to send Spain past Belgium at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, setting up a semi final showdown with France after a tense quarter final encounter in which Lamine Yamal was kept quiet.
Merino capitalised on a mistake from Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens to seal the win, continuing a knockout run in which the substitute has repeatedly proven decisive off the bench for Spain.
The result sets up a mouthwatering semi final against France, who progressed from their own quarter final against Spain’s earlier opponents, in what is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the tournament’s closing stages.
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Nigerian football fans have continued to follow the World Cup closely despite the Super Eagles’ absence from the tournament, with the closing stages drawing significant attention across Nigerian sports media and social platforms.
England, meanwhile, progressed to the semi finals after edging Norway 2-1 following extra time, with manager Thomas Tuchel admitting his side were fortunate to advance, while Argentina and England are separately set to meet in another blockbuster semi final tie.
The tournament’s knockout stages continue to produce closely contested fixtures, with the final scheduled for July 19 in Texas.
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