SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT
This blog has now ended

Spain seals historic 2-1 win over Belgium in epic World Cup clash — as it happened

With the tournament on the line, Belgium pulled out all the stops, but it wasn't quite enough to halt Spain's momentum.
FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals - Spain vs Belgium
Mikel Merino of Spain celebrates after scoring the 2-1 goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals match against Belgium. Source: AAP / CHRISTOPHER TORRES/EPA

Published

Updated

Source: SBS News


Skip to live blog content

48'

Great delivery for Yamal who picks it up just inside the box, but the keeper is there for the block.

But the offside flag is up, so it wouldn't have counted.

— Miles Proust

Second half underway

Spain kicks off to get the second half underway.

— Miles Proust

Half-time stats

A great half of football, with Spain the more dominant side but Belgium are well and truly in it.

Spain have had 62 per cent possession to Belgium's 38 per cent and nine shots to two.

— Miles Proust

Let's see those goals again.

Spain's breakthrough goal came from Ruiz in the 30th minute.

De Ketelaere's header followed in the 41st minute to bring Belgium right back into the game.

— David Smith.

Half-time

Colourful graphic showing the half-time scoreline, goals and yellow card from the Spain v Belgium quarter final at the 2026 World Cup.
Source: SBS

The half-time whistle blows and it's 1-1.

It's the first time Spain has conceded at this World Cup.

— Miles Proust

45 + 3

A bit of friendly fire, with Olmo and Ouarzabal both going down after a head clash while going for the ball.

The referee immediately calls for help, which Oyarzabal seems to take issue with. They both seem okay and play resumes.

— Miles Proust

Five minutes of stoppage time

Spain win back-to-back corners, with the first shot blocked.

Five minutes of stoppage time as we approach half-time.

— Miles Proust

Yellow card

Colourful graphic showing a yellow card for Pau Cubarsi during the Spain v Belgium quarter final at the 2026 World Cup.
Source: SBS

Cubarsi has been booked with a yellow card, pulling De Ketelaere's shorts while on the ground.

— Miles Proust

41' - Goal Belgium!

Colourful graphic showing the 1-1 score at 41' from the Spain v Belgium quarter-final at the 2026 World Cup.
Source: SBS

Belgium have equalised from a header by Ketelaere!

The curling cross was placed perfectly, with Belgium scoring with their first effort on target.

— Miles Proust

34'

Another dangerous moment for Belgium, with Spain winning a free on the edge of the penalty area after Doku's shove brings down Yamal.,

Yamal takes the shot but Courtois is there for the block.

Spain win a corner, playing it short but Olmo runs straight into referee Michael Oliver, who puts his hands up to apologise.

— Miles Proust

Ruiz makes it 1-0

A colourful graphic showing the first goal from Spain v Belgium quarter-final at the World Cup 2026.
Source: SBS

Great play by Spain, with Porro picking up a perfectly placed through ball after a one-two on the right wing.

He cuts it inside, with Olmo's first shot blocked by Courtouis but Ruiz is there for the follow-up.

It's 1-0, Spain's way.

— Miles Proust

30' - Goal Spain!

Goal Spain!

26'

After a bit of Shakira blasts out across the stadium, play resumes.

Spain have had 55 per cent possession to Belgium's 37 per cent so far.

— Miles Proust

First hydration break

The first hydration break has been called with the score 0-0.

— Miles Proust

21'

Yamal makes a shot after Spain wins possession at the edge of the penalty area, but it drifts wide of the far post.

He appeals for a corner but no dice.

Spain with most of the chances so far.

— Miles Proust

16'

Belgium with a half-chance after Doku offloads to De Ketelaere, whose shot is blocked.

— Miles Proust

13'

Baena with another chance, picking the ball up after a nice cross into the box. The shot is blocked by Ngoy and Baena appeals for a handball but the offside flag is up.

— Miles Proust

10'

Spain win a free outside the box on the left wing, after Trossard brings down Yamal.

The cross is low and deflects off a Belgian defender, and Rodri's follow-up is blocked.

— Miles Proust

6'

Belgium is under early pressure, making several clearances as Spain presses.

Doku makes a nice play after Spain coughs up possession, beating Porro and Olmo but Spain win it back in their half.

— Miles Proust

3'

Spain with the first half-chance of the match, with a run up the left flank, but the cross is blocked.

— Miles Proust

Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world