Overview
- Spain beat Belgium in the World Cup quarterfinals, with the victory booking a semifinal tie against France after a match in Los Angeles that settled on a narrow winning score.
- The coach surprised by naming Fabián in midfield while keeping Pedri on the bench, and team staff confirmed Pedri was not omitted for physical reasons.
- Fabián opened the scoring for Spain and Mikel Merino, introduced from the bench, scored the match‑winner, underlining the decisive impact of substitutes.
- Belgium keeper Thibaut Courtois left in the second half with an apparent injury and was visibly upset as he exited the game.
- The result strengthens Luis de la Fuente’s position after recent consolidation, sharpens the debate over Pedri’s form versus a more physical midfield profile, and makes Spain’s selection choices central ahead of the France matchup.