Spain advanced to the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals after defeating Belgium 2-1 at Los Angeles Stadium, setting up a highly anticipated last-four clash with France.
Luis de la Fuente's side took the lead through Fabián Ruiz, who capitalised on a rebound after Thibaut Courtois had saved Dani Olmo's initial effort. Ruiz had been a surprise inclusion in the starting line-up, replacing Pedri.
Belgium responded just before half-time. Kevin De Bruyne released Timothy Castagne with a precise pass, and the defender's cross was headed into the net by Charles De Ketelaere to level the score.
Spain continued to press after the break, while Belgium suffered a setback when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with an injury in the 71st minute.
His replacement, Senne Lammens, was unable to hold a long-range effort from Pau Cubarsí, allowing substitute Mikel Merino to score from the rebound just minutes after coming on and restore Spain's lead.
The victory sends Spain into the semi-finals, where they will face France in Dallas for a place in the World Cup final.
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A tourist aircraft crashed near Peru's UNESCO-listed Nazca Lines on Saturday (1 August), killing all 13 people on board, authorities said.
U.S. President Donald Trump said late on Saturday he would hold off on a fresh attack on Iran as long as a deal could be reached quickly to halt Iran's nuclear ambitions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Two firefighting helicopters collided while battling a major wildfire in Greece on Sunday, killing two crew members as emergency services continued efforts to contain fires fuelled by extreme heat and dry conditions across Europe.
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said wildfires that swept across France were now under control. Authorities warned that risks remained as Greece and Spain continued battling active blazes across parts of Europe.
Apple Pay has launched in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, expanding digital payment services across Central Asia and supporting the region's shift towards cashless transactions.
The Japanese yen strengthened on Monday after Japan and the United States confirmed a rare coordinated currency intervention to halt the currency's slide following weeks of pressure.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 3rd of August, covering the latest developments.
Oil prices fell sharply on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump said talks with Iran would begin later in the day, raising hopes of easing tensions in the Middle East, while OPEC+ agreed to increase oil production for a sixth consecutive month, adding to expectations of improved global supply.
At least eight people were killed in overnight Ukrainian drone strikes across Russia, regional officials said, as Kyiv expanded attacks on infrastructure.
Israeli airstrikes across Gaza have killed at least 18 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health officials, as efforts to advance a ceasefire plan face renewed challenges.
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