Spain Beat Belgium to Reach the Semifinals, Says, "France, Just Wait" [2026 FIFA World Cup]
- Input
- 2026-07-11 06:51:57
- Updated
- 2026-07-11 06:51:57
Spain, the "Invincible Armada," defeated Belgium 2-1 to advance to the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After facing France in the semifinals of UEFA Euro 2024, the two sides will meet again on the World Cup stage.
Two years ago, Spain beat France and then defeated England to be crowned European champions.
Spain controlled the match from the start in the World Cup quarterfinal on the 10th local time at Inglewood Stadium near Los Angeles, California, United States, and eventually secured a place in the final four by beating Belgium.
Belgium, however, did not go down easily. It scored in the 41st minute of the first half, breaking through Spain's defense, which had been the only one in the tournament to keep a clean sheet.
The goal ended Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón's run of consecutive World Cup matches without conceding, which had stretched from the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar to this tournament, at seven games. Spain's World Cup record for the longest shutout streak also came to an end at 649 minutes.
Meanwhile, France is chasing its third World Cup title, after winning in 1998 and 2018. If it beats Spain in the semifinals, it can also avenge its loss at UEFA Euro 2024.
dympna@fnnews.com Song Kyung-jae Reporter