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Spain sets multiple records in quarterfinal win to reach World Cup semifinals
Spain defeated Belgium in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal to advance to the semifinals. La Roja, with this victory, achieved a 36-match unbeaten streak and several historic milestones.
The Spain national team eliminated Belgium in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal to book their place in the semifinals. The team led by Luis de la Fuente not only advanced to the next round but also set a series of historic records.
Spain's Historic Streak
Spain became the first team to reach the semifinals of a tournament while holding the European Championship title. The last time this feat was achieved was also by Spain, in 2010. 'La Roja' have not lost in 36 matches since a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in March 2024. With 27 wins and 9 draws in that run, Spain have now set the longest unbeaten streak in their history.
Belgium's Misfortune Against European Teams
Belgium, meanwhile, continued their misfortune against European sides in World Cup knockout rounds. Excluding the third-place match, Belgium have been eliminated by their last four European opponents, with their last win in this context coming against Spain on penalties in 1986.
Mikel Merino: Hero from the Bench
Spain midfielder Mikel Merino came off the bench to score the winning goal against Portugal in the round of 16 and against Belgium in the quarterfinal. Merino became one of only two Spanish players to score a winning goal as a substitute in a World Cup knockout match.
Possession Dominance
Spain maintained their dominance in possession by out-possessing their opponents in 28 consecutive World Cup matches. This streak is twice as long as the second-longest run (Brazil with 14 matches) since 1966.
Luis de la Fuente's Remarkable Performance
Head coach Luis de la Fuente has remained unbeaten in 13 matches at the World Cup and European Championship, with 12 wins and 1 draw. This gives him the record for the most matches without a loss at major tournaments by a manager.
Rodri's Passing Prowess
Midfielder Rodri completed 62 line-breaking passes into the opposition half at the 2026 World Cup. This equals the tally set by Toni Kroos in 2014 and is the joint-highest recorded at a single tournament.
Spain's Clean Sheet Run Ends
Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere ended Spain's 649-minute run without conceding a goal at World Cups with his strike in the 41st minute. De Ketelaere also joined Romelu Lukaku and Jan Ceulemans as Belgium's joint-top scorers in World Cup knockout rounds with 3 goals.
New Records for Lamine Yamal and Fabian Ruiz
18-year-old Lamine Yamal broke the record for most World Cup appearances by a player under 18, playing in 6 matches. Only Kylian Mbappe (7 matches) has more. Fabian Ruiz, meanwhile, has contributed to 5 goals (3 goals, 2 assists) in 8 major tournament starts for Spain.
A Name Other Than Courtois in Belgium's Goal
Senne Lammens, who guarded Belgium's goal in the match, became the first goalkeeper other than Thibaut Courtois to play for Belgium at a World Cup since Gert De Vlieger against Brazil in 2002.
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