Statistical Canvas: Spain vs Belgium World Cup 2026 Stats
The Spain vs Belgium result and stats show a quarter-final shaped by control, resistance and one late incision. Spain held 67.8% possession, completed 665 passes and produced 17 shots, while Belgium survived through deep defending, 33 clearances and Thibaut Courtois’ saves. The score stayed level until Mikel Merino supplied the decisive second-half finish.
General
Spain vs Belgium World Cup 2026 Stats
Distribution
Spain vs Belgium World Cup 2026 Stats
Attack
Spain vs Belgium World Cup 2026 Stats
Defence
Spain vs Belgium World Cup 2026 Stats
Spain’s dominance was broad rather than cosmetic. They led 665-314 in passes, 423-156 in passes inside the opposition half, 271-73 in final-third passes and 64-33 in final-third entries. Belgium stayed alive with compact defending and a first-half equaliser, but Spain kept returning to the pressure points until Merino made the possession count.
Spain 2-1 Belgium was a tense FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final at Los Angeles Stadium. Fabián Ruiz put Spain ahead, Timothy Castagne brought Belgium level before half-time, and substitute Mikel Merino delivered the winner after 85 minutes. Spain controlled the ball, territory and shot volume, but needed patience to break a Belgian defence protected by an excellent Thibaut Courtois.
Spain vs Belgium Result: Spain Win 2-1 To Reach World Cup Semi-Final
Lineups And Match Events
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Player ratings (0–10) based on match data
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AssistThe Opening Gambit: Spain Built The Game Around Territory
Spain began by stretching Belgium across the width of Los Angeles Stadium. Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella held the outside lanes, Rodri controlled the centre, and Fabián Ruiz repeatedly arrived beyond Belgium’s first midfield screen. The 67.8% possession figure reflected a clear tactical hierarchy rather than sterile circulation.
Ruiz turned that control into the opening goal and earned a 7.1 rating, while Rodri’s 7.6 was the strongest starting-player mark. Belgium responded through Castagne, whose equaliser made it 1-1 at half-time despite Spain leading almost every territorial measure.
Belgium’s route was narrower but dangerous. Jérémy Doku carried the counter-attacking threat, Charles De Ketelaere occupied Spain’s centre-backs, and Castagne attacked from the right. The equaliser changed the score without changing the shape of the game: Spain had the ball, Belgium had the barricade.
The Catalyst: Merino Arrived When Belgium’s Wall Began To Bend
Luis de la Fuente changed the attacking rhythm with Pedri and Ferran Torres after 54 minutes, then added Nico Williams in the 78th. Belgium answered with Romelu Lukaku, Axel Witsel, Joaquin Seys, Senne Lammens and Alexis Saelemaekers, but the substitutions increasingly pushed Roberto García’s side toward survival rather than control.
The decisive move came in the 85th minute. Mikel Merino replaced Fabián Ruiz and produced the winning goal, turning a short appearance into the match’s defining intervention. His 7.1 rating captured the impact: one arrival, one finish, one semi-final ticket.
Courtois had already kept Belgium alive with a 7.1 rating before leaving after 70 minutes. Spain still finished with eight shots on target and 13 key passes. The pressure did not explode in one moment. It accumulated, layer by layer, until Merino found the crack.
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“Belgium built the wall. Merino found the loose brick.”
The Bitter End And Ripple Effects
Belgium’s final numbers explain both the courage and the limitation of their performance. They made 33 clearances, won 63.2% of the aerial duels and restricted Spain to two goals despite spending long stretches without the ball. However, five shots, two on target and only two key passes left too little attacking weight once Spain reclaimed the lead.
Spain managed the closing minutes through possession rather than retreat. Their 89.9% passing accuracy and 49 recoveries gave Belgium few clean opportunities to create a second equaliser. The match ended with the same basic truth that shaped it from kick-off: Spain owned the volume, Belgium lived on moments.
For Spain, the reward is a place in the World Cup 2026 semi-final. For Belgium, it is another narrow knockout exit after a disciplined performance. Follow TMJ’s World Cup 2026 results tracker and World Cup 2026 knockout bracket for the updated tournament picture.
TMJ Verdict: Spain’s Patience Finally Broke Belgium
Spain 2-1 Belgium was a match where control needed courage at the end. Spain dominated possession, territory and shot volume, but Belgium’s compact defence and first-half equaliser kept the quarter-final balanced deep into the night.
Merino’s late winner transformed dominance into qualification. Belgium defended with discipline. Spain kept knocking until the door finally lost its hinges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Spain vs Belgium?
Spain beat Belgium 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final.
Who scored in Spain vs Belgium?
Fabián Ruiz and Mikel Merino scored for Spain, while Timothy Castagne scored for Belgium.
Where was Spain vs Belgium played?
Spain vs Belgium was played at Los Angeles Stadium in front of 70,492 spectators.
What were the main Spain vs Belgium stats?
Spain had 67.8% possession, 17 shots, eight shots on target, 665 passes and 13 key passes. Belgium had 32.2% possession, five shots and two shots on target.
Did Spain reach the World Cup semi-final?
Yes. Spain advanced to the World Cup 2026 semi-final with the 2-1 win over Belgium.
Fact-Check Notes
Last updated: 11 July 2026. This article was prepared from the supplied Spain 2-1 Belgium scoreboard, lineup and event graphics, bench list and team-stat graphics. Venue, attendance, referee, formations, cards, substitutions, player ratings and statistical data are based on the supplied match information.