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World Cup: Merino strikes late, Spain beat Belgium to reach semi-finals against France artwork

World Cup: Merino strikes late, Spain beat Belgium to reach semi-finals against France

SBS News In Depth
10:23
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Spain is through to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ tournament semi-finals after a dramatic 2-1 win over Belgium. Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring for the Spaniards, before Belgium equalised through Charles De Ketelaere. But substitute Mikel Merino - also the hero in the previous round against Portugal - came off the bench in the 86th minute, and scored just before stoppage time. Lamine Yamal was named Player of the Match after another electric performance. Join your host Haylena Krishnamoorthy for this episode of World Cup Daily | The 90+ Podcast, as she talks to former Matildas legend and SBS World Cup pundit, Sarah Walsh to break down the match. World Cup Daily | The 90+ Podcast is SBS's daily FIFA World Cup 2026™ podcast covering the biggest stories on and beyond the pitch. In this episode: Spain is through to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ tournament semi-finals after a dramatic 2-1 win over BelgiumFabián Ruiz opened the scoring for the Spaniards, before Belgium equalised through Charles De KetelaereSubstitute Mikel Merino came off the bench iand scored just before stoppage timeLamine Yamal was named Player of the Match after another electric performanceFormer Matildas legend and SBS World Cup pundit, Sarah Walsh breaks down the match, and discusses VARFrom unforgettable moments, match highlights, emerging stars, FIFA politics, major controversies and the stories shaping the tournament, The 90+ brings you the key talking points from the FIFA World Cup 2026™ every day. For more on this series, follow The 90+ Podcast. Get daily updates on the SBS News website and follow SBS Sport on YouTube, TikTok, X, Instagram and Facebook for all the latest from the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The FIFA World Cup 26ᵀᴹ kicks off on June 12 (AEST) - with coverage starting for the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa from 4am (AEST) - and will be an exclusive broadcast on SBS in Australia. You can watch all 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ live, free and exclusive on SBS, SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand.

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