Spain moved within one match of equalling Italy's all-time men's international unbeaten record after edging Belgium 2-1 to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals on Friday.

La Roja extended their unbeaten run to 36 matches, matching Argentina's streak between 2019 and 2022 and leaving only Italy's record of 37 games, achieved between 2018 and 2021, ahead of them. Spain will now have the opportunity to equal that mark when they face tournament favourites France in Tuesday's semi-final.

Also read | Courtois off, Merino on target: The turning point of Belgium’s defeat against Spain

Spain's latest triumph once again came courtesy of substitute Mikel Merino, who emerged as the match-winner for the second consecutive knockout game. Having scored the decisive goal against Portugal in the Round of 16, the Arsenal midfielder repeated the feat by finding the net just two minutes after coming on.

Merino struck in the 88th minute after Belgium substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled Pau Cubarsí's long-range effort, allowing the midfielder to pounce on the rebound and fire Spain into the last four.

Belgium suffered a major setback in the 71st minute when first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with an apparent thigh injury. The Real Madrid star, who had made four saves before leaving the pitch in tears, was replaced by Senne Lammens, whose costly spill ultimately led to Merino's winning goal.

Spain had taken the lead in the 30th minute through Fabián Ruiz after Thibaut Courtois parried Dani Olmo's effort into his path. Belgium responded before the break when Charles De Ketelaere headed home Timothy Castagne's cross, ending Spain's remarkable World Cup defensive streak after 649 consecutive minutes without conceding.

Belgium pushed desperately for an equaliser in the closing stages, with Romelu Lukaku leading the charge, but Aymeric Laporte produced a crucial late clearance to preserve Spain's narrow advantage.

The victory sends Spain into their first World Cup semi-final since lifting the trophy in 2010 and keeps alive their pursuit of another piece of history.