Mikel Merino sets a historic World Cup record by scoring the
By OnzeActu · · 6 min read

Mikel Merino once again weighed in in the final minutes: as a substitute, he scored the goal in the 88th minute which gave Spain victory against Belgium (2-1) in the quarter-final of the 2026 World Cup, achieving an unprecedented feat in the history of the tournament.
According to Championship.
Context
Mikel Merino demonstrated his effectiveness as a substitute, scoring decisive goals in two consecutive knockout matches. His status as a key player for Spain, especially in decisive moments, could influence the coach's tactical choices for future matches. His impact on the match and the current season could also strengthen his position at the Spanish club.
Why it matters
Mikel Merino's performance in this quarter-final underlines his crucial role in the Spanish squad, especially as the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup approach. His decisive goal strengthens the dynamic of Spain, which needs players capable of making the difference in critical moments. This type of contribution could prove decisive for Spain's path in the tournament.
Key points
- Mikel Merino sets a historic World Cup record by scoring.
- Mikel Merino once again weighed in in the final minutes: as a substitute, he scored the goal in the 88th minute which gave Spain victory against Belgium (2-1) in the quarter-final of the 2026 World Cup, achieving an unprecedented feat in the history of the tournament.
- Мерино установил уникальное достижение в истории ЧМ, забив победный гол в матче с Бельгией.
Mikel Merino confirmed his status as a decisive weapon coming off the bench during the quarter-final of the 2026 World Cup between Spain and Belgium (2-1), played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, in the United States. Entering in the 86th minute, the Spanish midfielder found the net two minutes later, in the 88th, giving victory to La Roja.
The referee of the match was Michael Oliver (England). With this goal, Merino achieved an unprecedented feat at world level: he became the first player in the history of World Cups to score two winning goals in two consecutive knockout matches after coming on during the game. His impact is not limited to this quarter: during the 1/8 final against Portugal, also won by Spain (1-0), Merino also started on the bench, was started in the 85th minute and scored the only goal of the match in the 90+1st minute.
These two decisive interventions confirm the Spanish midfielder's ability to change the course of a match in a short time. The Spanish coach can now count on a player who has proven his value in key moments of the tournament, swinging close matches in favor of La Roja.
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The victory over Belgium qualifies Spain for the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup, where it will face the France team. This meeting against the Blues will constitute a major test for the Spanish team, which will have to rely on its depth of bench and its efficiency in the decisive phases if it wants to continue its road towards the final.
The match in Inglewood also confirms the growing role of substitutes in major modern competitions: knowing how to bring in a player capable of making an impact immediately becomes a decisive strategic asset for coaches. For Merino, these two consecutive goals in knockout matches will go down in the annals of the World Cup.
Spain, driven by this ability to make the difference at the end of the match, now approaches the semi-final with the ambition of going to the end of the tournament. Its next opponent, France, will represent a new major step in this 2026 World Cup held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The rest
With this victory, Spain prepares to face France in the semi-final, a match which promises to be a real test for both teams. Merino's ability to change the course of a match could be a major asset for La Roja. The stakes are high, and every player will need to be at their best to have any hope of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score of the Spain vs Belgium match?
The score was Spain 2, Belgium 1.
What impact did Spain's victory have on the tournament standings?
This victory allowed Spain to qualify for the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
Who scored the decisive goal for Spain against Belgium?
Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in the 88th minute.
When is Spain's next match at the 2026 World Cup?
Spain will face the French team in the semi-final.
What feat did Mikel Merino achieve during this match?
Mikel Merino became the first player to score two winning goals in two consecutive knockout matches after starting
D during the game.
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