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Merino strikes late as Spain beat Belgium to set up France World Cup semi

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Spain midfielder Mikel Merino celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the 2026 World Cup quarter-final vs Belgium at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on July 10, 2026. (Paul ELLIS / AFP)

Super sub Mikel Merino broke Belgian hearts and sent Spain through to a World Cup semi-final against France with a late goal in a gripping 2-1 win on Friday.

The stunning finish at SoFi Stadium sets up a tantalizing showdown between European champions Spain and the tournament favorites France and the red-hot Kylian Mbappe in Dallas on Tuesday.

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