Mikel Merino’s stunning 88th-minute winner against Belgium at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Friday night sent Spain into the World Cup and matched Argentina’s record for the second unbeaten run in men’s international history.Spain’s 2-1 win in Belgium means they have now gone 36 games in a row without defeat, equaling Argentina’s record between 2019 and 2022, a streak that culminated in their World Cup victory in Qatar. Italy’s incredible 37-game unbeaten run between 2018 and 2021 is the only one ahead of Spain on the all-time record.Similar success was not straightforward. Spain took the lead through Fabián Ruiz in the 30th minute, only for Charles De Ketelaere to score in the 41st minute, the first goal Spain conceded in the entire 2026 World Cup, ending Unai Simón’s record. With Belgium pushing for a winner and Spain’s dominance of the game loosening, it took a moment of individual brilliance from an unlikely source.Merino, who was substituted in the second half, shot at Pau Cubarsà who lost the Belgian Senne Lammens, who replaced the injured and crying Thibaut Courtois in the 71st minute, could not hold it well. Merino jumped and buried the eagle. SoFi Stadium erupted.It was the second time in the tournament that Merino came off the bench to score a late winner, having done the same against Portugal in the round of 16, nodding in stoppage time to send Cristiano Ronaldo home in tears.Spain will now face France in the semifinal in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday, in what is arguably Europe’s toughest clash to decide the final. The other semi-final pits Argentina against England.Italy’s record 37-match unbeaten run has one game left. A win against France on Tuesday will see Spain level at the top of the table with the Azzuri.
