World Cup: Spain equal Argentina’s record 36-game unbeaten run after late win over Belgium to reach semi-finals

Mikel Merino’s late goal sealed Spain’s place in the World Cup semi-finals. The win also tied Argentina’s record for the second-longest unbeaten run. Spain are now on a 36-game unbeaten run in international football. (AP photo) Mikel Merino’s dramatic 88th-minute winner against Belgium at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Friday night sent Spain into the World Cup semi-finals while equaling Argentina’s record for the second-longest unbeaten run in men’s international soccer history.Spain’s 2-1 win over Belgium means they have now gone 36 consecutive matches without defeat, matching Argentina’s run from 2019 to 2022, a sequence which culminated in their World Cup triumph in Qatar. Only Italy’s exceptional 37-match unbeaten run between 2018 and 2021 is ahead of Spain on the all-time list.The record-breaking victory was anything but clear-cut. Spain took the lead in the 30th minute through Fabián Ruiz but were anchored in the 41st minute by Charles De Ketelaere’s equaliser, the first goal Spain had conceded at the entire 2026 World Cup, ending Unai Simón’s historic clean sheet streak. With Belgium pressing for a winner and Spain relaxing, it took a moment of individual brilliance from the most unlikely of sources.Merino, introduced as a second-half substitute, saved Pau Cubarsí’s volley after Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who had replaced an injured and tearful Thibaut Courtois in the 71st minute, failed to keep a clear hold on it. Merino pounced and buried the rebound. SoFi Stadium exploded.It was the second time at this tournament that Merino had come off the bench to score a decisive late winner, having done exactly the same against Portugal in the round of 16 when he nodded home in stoppage time to send Cristiano Ronaldo home in tears.Spain will now take on France in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday, a heavyweight European clash that will decide one finalist. Argentina will meet England in the second semi-final.Italy’s record 37-match unbeaten run has just one match remaining. A win against France on Tuesday would see Spain top the list with the Azzuri’s.