Mikel Merino Sends Spain to World Cup Semifinals, but Wasteful Attack Raises Concerns Ahead of France Clash
Spain secured a place in the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Belgium 2-1 in a thrilling quarterfinal, but the victory also exposed concerns about La Roja’s ability to convert chances ahead of a daunting meeting with France.
Mikel Merino emerged as Spain’s hero with a dramatic late winner that ended Belgium’s resistance and sent the European giants into the last four of the tournament. While the result sparked celebrations among players and supporters, Spain’s performance suggested there is still room for improvement, particularly in the final third.
From the opening whistle, Spain controlled possession and dictated the rhythm of the match. Their trademark passing game allowed them to dominate large periods of play, forcing Belgium to defend deep and wait for opportunities to counterattack. The Spanish midfield once again demonstrated why it is regarded as one of the strongest units in international football, moving the ball quickly and creating numerous openings.
Spain’s early pressure was rewarded when Fabián Ruiz broke the deadlock with a composed finish after an excellent team move. The goal reflected Spain’s patient approach and seemed likely to open the floodgates, but Belgium refused to surrender.
Despite creating several clear opportunities after taking the lead, Spain failed to extend its advantage. Their inability to convert promising attacks allowed Belgium to remain in the contest, and the Red Devils took full advantage when Charles De Ketelaere scored the equalizer. The goal shifted momentum and reminded Spain that missed chances can prove costly in knockout football.
Rather than losing confidence, Spain continued to push forward. Their midfield maintained control while the attacking players searched for the decisive breakthrough. Persistence finally paid off in the closing minutes when Merino found space inside the penalty area and scored the winning goal, sending Spain into the semifinals and ending Belgium’s World Cup campaign.
Although the victory highlighted Spain’s resilience and determination, it also underlined an issue that has followed the team throughout the tournament. La Roja has consistently created scoring opportunities but has often struggled to finish them efficiently. Against stronger opposition, such wastefulness could become a major problem.
Those concerns become even more significant with France waiting in the semifinals. Les Bleus have shown remarkable efficiency throughout the tournament, punishing opponents whenever chances arise. Led by captain Kylian Mbappé, France possesses one of the most dangerous attacking units remaining in the competition.
Spain’s coaching staff will likely spend the coming days focusing on improving finishing and decision-making in front of goal. Against France, opportunities may be limited, making clinical finishing essential if Spain hopes to reach the World Cup final.
Defensively, however, Spain continues to impress. The team’s organization, discipline and composure under pressure have been among its biggest strengths. Even after Belgium equalized, the players remained calm and trusted their tactical approach rather than abandoning their game plan.
Head coach Luis de la Fuente praised his team’s character after the victory, emphasizing the importance of remaining patient despite Belgium’s equalizer. He also acknowledged that the team must become more efficient in front of goal if it hopes to continue its World Cup journey.
Merino’s winning goal further highlighted the depth within Spain’s squad. Throughout the tournament, different players have stepped up at crucial moments, giving the coaching staff confidence that the team is not overly dependent on a single star performer.
For Belgium, the defeat marked the end of another competitive World Cup campaign. Despite falling short, the Red Devils demonstrated quality throughout the tournament and pushed one of Europe’s strongest teams until the closing stages. Charles De Ketelaere’s goal was a reminder of Belgium’s attacking talent, even though it ultimately was not enough to secure progression.
Attention now turns to the blockbuster semifinal between Spain and France. The match promises to be one of the biggest encounters of the tournament, featuring two European football powerhouses with contrasting strengths. Spain will seek to dominate possession and control the tempo, while France is expected to rely on its explosive pace and clinical finishing.
Football analysts believe Spain has the quality to defeat France, but only if it improves its efficiency in front of goal. The opportunities wasted against Belgium may not be available against a French side renowned for capitalizing on even the smallest defensive mistakes.
As the World Cup enters its decisive stage, Spain remains firmly in contention for the trophy. Merino’s dramatic winner has kept La Roja’s dream alive, but the semifinal will demand an even higher level of performance. If Spain can combine its outstanding midfield control with sharper finishing, it will have every chance of overcoming France and earning a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
About the Author
