INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The collision course the soccer world has been anticipating since this World Cup began is finally here.
Mikel Merino scored the winning goal in the 88th minute Friday, lifting Spain to a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium before another electric crowd at SoFi Stadium and sending La Roja into the World Cup semifinals for the first time since its championship run in 2010.
The victory sets up a heavyweight showdown Tuesday in Arlington, Texas, against France, a 2-0 winner over Morocco on Thursday. It is a meeting between the two tournament favorites and a rivalry that has become one of international soccer's most compelling over the past three years.
Spain eliminated France in the semifinals of Euro 2024 and defeated Les Bleus again in the 2025 UEFA Nations League. Now, with a trip to the World Cup final on the line, Spain believes history can repeat itself.
"If France should fear anyone, it's us," Lamine Yamal said after the match. "We have knocked them out before. We have beat them two times. Honestly, I think we're the two best teams at the World Cup, so we'll see what happens, but we do not have any fear."
Spain needed every bit of that confidence against a resilient Belgian side that looked capable of forcing extra time before Merino delivered another signature moment.
The midfielder, who has developed a flair for decisive goals in major tournaments, found space inside the penalty area late and buried the winner to send Spain's players and thousands of supporters into celebration.
For Merino, the goal was another surreal chapter in what has become the tournament of his life.
"Honestly, even in my wildest dreams I couldn't have imagined what is happening," Merino said. "Another goal at the end of the game, another chance falling to me in the penalty area. But at the same time, I always believe I can make an impact every time I step onto the field. I trust that my moment will come."
Merino entered as a substitute and needed only a couple of minutes to change the match.
"If I'm honest, it was very similar to the other day," he said. "I came on trying to do the best I could, trying to get into areas where I could hurt the opponent. They were very organized, but when you get bodies into the box, things happen. I tried to stay alert for any loose ball, any chance between the lines, and fortunately it worked."
Spain has relied on its depth throughout the tournament, but Merino has become the team's unexpected closer. After another late winner in the knockout rounds, he admitted even he is struggling to process what is happening.
"I don't really know what to say," Merino said. "I still can't believe it. I feel fortunate and privileged to be living this. To have my family here, my wife, my son — it's incredible. Every time I'm on the field, I'll be ready."
While Merino provided the winning goal, Yamal once again served as Spain's emotional heartbeat.
The teenage superstar was named one of the match's standout performers despite still searching for his first goal of the knockout stage. Yet scoring is hardly his priority.
"It doesn't frustrate me," Yamal said. "I won the European Championship scoring one goal. As long as we win the World Cup, I don't think anyone in this room is going to ask why I didn't score. We have won and that's what matters. The team comes first."
Now comes the challenge everyone has been waiting for.
"I think since the World Cup started, everyone has been expecting this match," Yamal said. "We were very eager for it to arrive because it is the two best teams at the World Cup. We go into it without any fear."
France arrives seeking its third consecutive World Cup final after lifting the trophy in 2018 and finishing runner-up to Argentina in Qatar four years later.
Spain, meanwhile, is chasing its first appearance in a World Cup final since Andrés Iniesta's unforgettable goal delivered the country's only WorldCup title in South Africa 16 years ago.
The semifinal also represents another opportunity for a new generation of Spanish stars to establish its own legacy. Yamal believes this squad has already proven it belongs on the game's biggest stage.
"We're two steps away," Yamal said. "Trust us. We're going to leave everything on the field."