Spain reached their first World Cup semi-final since 2010 with a 2-1 victory over Belgium at SoFi Stadium, a result secured by Mikel Merino’s 88th-minute strike that sets up a heavyweight clash against France in Dallas. Fabián Ruiz had given La Roja a first-half lead, only for Charles De Ketelaere to equalise before the break — the first goal Spain have conceded in the entire tournament. Merino, who also scored the winner against Portugal in the round of 16, pounced late to keep his side on course for a second world title.

Lamine Yamal was named player of the match despite not adding to his solitary goal of the competition. The 18-year-old winger, who turns 19 on the eve of the semi-final, created a game-high number of chances and repeatedly troubled Belgium’s left flank, forcing an early substitution. Across the tournament, he leads all players in chances created with 17, and his 21 successful dribbles are one shy of Kylian Mbappé’s record from 2018. Yamal dismissed concerns about his scoring output, noting that he also found the net only once during Spain’s triumphant Euro 2024 campaign.

Speaking after the match, Yamal delivered a pointed message to the French. “If France has to fear anyone, it’s us,” he said, citing Spain’s victories in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 and the 2025 UEFA Nations League. He described the two sides as “the best teams in the World Cup,” a remark that drew sharp reactions in Argentina, where local media interpreted it as a slight to the defending champions. Viewed from Buenos Aires, the comment was seen as dismissive of a side that remains in the competition, though Yamal’s focus was squarely on the challenge posed by Didier Deschamps’s team.

Spain approach the semi-final on a 37-match unbeaten run in competitive fixtures, a streak stretching back to March 2023. Their defensive record — one goal conceded in six matches — contrasts with France’s tournament-leading 16 goals. Mbappé, with eight goals and three assists, is the competition’s most prolific attacker, while Yamal has been Spain’s creative heartbeat. The tactical question is whether Spain’s possession-based control can contain France’s transition speed, a dynamic that has defined their recent meetings.

The semi-final, to be played at AT&T Stadium on Tuesday, carries historic weight for both nations. Spain are aiming for only their second World Cup final appearance, having won the trophy in 2010. France, champions in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, are seeking to become the third men’s team to reach three consecutive finals. The winner will face either Argentina, England, Switzerland or Norway in the title match.