Spain booked a World Cup semi-final meeting with France in Dallas after Mikel Merino struck an 88th-minute winner to edge Belgium 2-1 in Los Angeles. Fabián Ruiz had given La Roja an early lead, only for Charles De Ketelaere to level before the interval. The contest turned on an injury to Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois, whose replacement Senne Lammens misjudged a late cross, allowing Merino to nod in his second decisive goal of the knockout stage. Lamine Yamal, named player of the match, created a game-high six chances and completed four dribbles, though his lone tournament goal remains a group-stage strike.

In the mixed zone, Yamal framed the semi-final as a meeting of equals. “We are the two best teams in the World Cup,” he said, adding that “if France has to fear anyone, it’s us.” The 18-year-old pointed to Spain’s recent record: a 2-1 win in the Euro 2024 semi-final and a 5-4 victory in the 2025 Nations League last four. His remarks were received differently across regions. In Argentina, where the defending champions remain in contention, several outlets interpreted the omission of Lionel Scaloni’s side as a deliberate snub. European coverage, by contrast, focused on the direct challenge to Didier Deschamps’ team.

Spain’s path to the last four has been methodical. After a goalless draw with Cape Verde, they beat Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Austria and Portugal, with Merino also scoring a late winner in the round of 16. France, meanwhile, eliminated Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco, with Kylian Mbappé contributing eight goals to sit joint-top of the Golden Boot race. Yamal, still regaining sharpness after a hamstring tear, has not scored since the second group match but leads the tournament in chances created with 17. “I won the Euros scoring just one goal,” he said. “As long as we keep advancing, I’ll be very happy.”

The semi-final, set for Tuesday at AT&T Stadium, pits a Spain side chasing only a second World Cup final appearance against a France team aiming for a third consecutive title match – a feat achieved only by West Germany and Brazil. For Yamal, the recent head-to-head record strips away any sense of inferiority. “We have no fear,” he said. “They should be afraid of us.”