Spain Is Now One of the World's Final Four (2–1)

As in the greatest Hollywood stories, heroes always find their way back. Spain defeated Belgium to reach the FIFA World Cup semi-finals for only the second time in the nation's history, proving that the memory of 2010 no longer belongs solely to the past—it has a new chapter.

Before kick-off, Spain observed a minute's silence in memory of the victims of the wildfires in Andalusia.

The opening half in Los Angeles was a statement of intent. Spain took to the pitch with composure and the conviction of a team determined to make history. From the outset, Luis de la Fuente's side made possession their greatest asset, forcing Belgium onto the back foot through sustained pressure. The chances kept coming, with Lamine Yamal threatening down the wing through individual brilliance while also combining effectively with Spain's attacking players.

Just after the half-hour mark, Lamine threaded a perfectly weighted through ball to Pedro Porro, whose cross found Dani Olmo inside the penalty area. Although Thibaut Courtois produced an outstanding save, the Belgian goalkeeper was unable to hold onto the ball, allowing Fabián Ruiz to react quickest and fire the rebound into the net for 1–0. Stadium technology later confirmed the finish had come from just over seven metres out. It was the Andalusian midfielder's first-ever World Cup goal and his seventh for Spain.

Against the run of play, however, Belgium gradually grew into the contest and found an equaliser in the 41st minute. Charles De Ketelaere delivered a cross that Timothy Castagne met with a powerful header to level the score at 1–1.

Despite conceding, Unai Simón extended his World Cup record for consecutive minutes without conceding to 650 before Belgium's goal brought the remarkable streak to an end.

The intensity remained high after the interval. Spain continued to dictate possession, while Belgium looked increasingly dangerous on the counter-attack. In the 55th minute, Pedri and Ferran Torres replaced Fabián Ruiz and Álex Baena as Luis de la Fuente looked to inject fresh energy into the side.

Spain's best opportunity came in the 62nd minute when Mikel Oyarzabal met a clever pass from Lamine Yamal, only for Courtois to deny him with another outstanding save. The Real Madrid goalkeeper was then forced off in tears through injury in the 72nd minute.

Spain continued to push forward as Belgium retreated deeper and deeper. The Red Devils began to tire, while Dani Olmo drove his team on with tireless pressing and creative play between the lines. Nico Williams replaced Oyarzabal in the 79th minute before Mikel Merino came on for Olmo six minutes later as Spain searched for a decisive breakthrough.

The man blessed by San Fermín delivered once again.

In the 88th minute, Pau Cubarsí unleashed a long-range effort that goalkeeper Senne Lammens could only parry into the path of Merino, who reacted instinctively to convert the rebound and score his second consecutive goal of the tournament, sealing another dramatic victory for Spain.

Spain have now reached the FIFA World Cup semi-finals for only the second time in their history.

Luis de la Fuente's side will face France on 14 July at Dallas Stadium (Texas) for a place in the FIFA World Cup Final.