NEW YORK, July 11 (Reuters) — Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in the World Cup 2026 quarter-final on Friday. The winning goal came in the 88th minute from a goalkeeper error. Lamine Yamal, 18, played the full match. Romelu Lukaku also started for Belgium. The match was played in the US.
Spain controlled possession in the first half. Mikel Merino scored first. Belgium equalized through a Lukaku-led attack. The second half was a tight contest. Belgium relied on counter-attacks. Then came the mistake.
Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens, on loan from Manchester United, mishandled a routine cross. The ball fell to a Spanish attacker. The tap-in sealed the win. Lammens’ error ended Belgium’s golden generation era. Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, and Lukaku will likely not return for another World Cup.
Yamal was the focal point. He completed five dribbles. He created three chances. He drew two fouls. This mirrors the trajectory of Neymar at the 2014 World Cup. Neymar, then 22, carried Brazil’s hopes. Yamal, at 18, now carries Spain’s. The lesson is clear: manage emotion under pressure. Avoid provocation. Exploit moments of weakness. Yamal did that against Belgium.
Lukaku, 33, was isolated. Spain’s defenders double-teamed him. He had only one shot on target. His physical style was neutralized. The generational clash was one-sided. Youth and technique beat power and experience.
Spain now faces France in the semi-final. France has reached three consecutive semi-finals. Spain leads the historical head-to-head with 18 wins. But France is stronger in recent major tournaments. Yamal will need to replicate Neymar’s 2014 form. If he does, Spain can repeat its 2010 triumph.
The loss signals a rebuild for Belgium. The golden generation is finished. Young players must step up. The lesson is brutal: a team needs a reliable goalkeeper and the ability to finish chances at key moments.
Key match data
| Statistic | Spain | Belgium |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 62% | 38% |
| Shots on target | 6 | 3 |
| Fouls | 12 | 15 |
| Offsides | 2 | 4 |
| Yellow cards | 1 | 2 |
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Who scored the winning goal in Spain vs Belgium World Cup 2026 quarter-final?
- A: The winning goal came in the 88th minute from a Spanish tap-in after Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens mishandled a routine cross.
- Q: How did Lamine Yamal perform against Belgium?
- A: Yamal completed five dribbles, created three chances, and drew two fouls, playing a key role in Spain’s victory.
- Q: What does this match mean for Belgium’s golden generation?
- A: The loss ended the golden generation era, with Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, and Romelu Lukaku likely not returning for another World Cup.
- Q: How does Yamal’s performance compare to Neymar’s 2014 World Cup?
- A: Yamal’s role as Spain’s focal point at age 18 mirrors Neymar carrying Brazil’s hopes at age 22, emphasizing emotional control and exploiting weaknesses.
Extended Reading
Sources: VnExpress , Znews , VietnamNet .