Spain and Belgium booked their places in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals after eliminating Portugal and the United States.
Mikel Merino delivered a dramatic late winner for Spain, while Belgium produced a ruthless attacking display to set up a heavyweight European showdown.
FIFA WORLD CUP ROUND OF 16
Spain secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Portugal, while Belgium thrashed the United States 4-1 in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16. The two European giants will now meet in the quarterfinals after producing very different performances in North America.
Spain stretched their remarkable defensive record to five consecutive FIFA World Cup matches without conceding a goal. Belgium, meanwhile, scored four times against the tournament co-hosts to continue their impressive run into the last eight.
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal again played a key role as Spain controlled possession for long spells against Portugal. The Iberian rivals remained locked together until the closing stages despite La Roja creating the better opportunities.
MIKEL MERINO BREAKS PORTUGUESE HEARTS
Spain finally found the breakthrough in the 90th minute when substitute Mikel Merino fired home the winning goal. His late strike punished Portugal’s resistance and sent La Roja into the last eight.
The victory also highlighted Spain’s growing strength at both ends of the pitch. They controlled possession for most of the contest, remained defensively solid and showed their squad depth when it mattered most.
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BELGIUM CRUISE PAST USA
Belgium took control inside the opening 33 minutes thanks to a clinical first-half brace from Charles De Ketelaere. The forward exposed poor American defending with goals in the ninth and 33rd minutes.
The United States briefly levelled through Malik Tillman, whose deflected free-kick restored hope for the home supporters. That optimism disappeared almost immediately as Belgium regained the lead just two minutes later.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese endured a nightmare moment in the 57th minute after gifting Hans Vanaken an easy finish with an error far outside his penalty area. Substitute Romelu Lukaku added the fourth goal in stoppage time to complete a dominant display.
Pre-match attention centred on Folarin Balogun after FIFA overturned his suspension and cleared him to play. However, the striker failed to influence the contest as Belgium’s disciplined defence kept him quiet throughout.
The quarterfinal between Spain and Belgium will take place on Friday, 10 July, at SoFi Stadium in California, with a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals at stake.
