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.
The U.S. has imposed new Iran-related sanctions targeting a key financier linked to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei and 13 other individuals...
Israel's decision to recognise the so-called Armenian genocide has triggered diplomatic tensions with Azerbaijan, one of its closest strategic partner...
The remains of 10 victims of the 1995 Srebrenica genocide were carried to the Potočari Memorial Cemetery in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday ...
Israel's decision to recognise the so-called Armenian genocide has triggered diplomatic tensions with Azerbaijan, one of its closest strategic partners.
The remains of 10 victims of the 1995 Srebrenica genocide were carried to the Potočari Memorial Cemetery in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday ahead of their burial during the 31st anniversary commemoration.
More than 100 countries now spend more on servicing debt than on education, UNESCO has warned, as it called on governments and international lenders to expand the use of debt-for-education swaps.
Athletes from around the world are competing in the 2026 World Rafting Cup on Kenya's Tana River, with races taking place in the town of Sagana in Kirinyaga County, north of the capital, Nairobi.
It has been a punishing week for large parts of China, and forecasters warn the worst may not be over. After Typhoon Maysak left a trail of destruction and at least 23 people dead, Super Typhoon Bavi is now threatening the country's eastern coast.
At least 12 people have been killed in forest fires in Almeria in southern Spain, Andalucía’s emergency agency has said, as firefighters continue efforts to put out the blaze.
The death toll from Venezuela's twin earthquakes has risen to 3,811, according to figures released by National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez on Wednesday.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to resume talks with Iran after Tehran requested further negotiations, but declared that last month's ceasefire between the two countries was "over".
The U.S. military said on Wednesday it launched fresh strikes on Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping, triggering Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain in the latest escalation to derail efforts to end the war.
The remains of 10 victims of the 1995 Srebrenica genocide were carried to the Potočari Memorial Cemetery in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday ahead of their burial during the 31st anniversary commemoration.
More than 100 countries now spend more on servicing debt than on education, UNESCO has warned, as it called on governments and international lenders to expand the use of debt-for-education swaps.
North Korea condemned the United States and its allies on Saturday for what it called strengthening military blocs and accelerating arms buildups after a NATO summit this week.
Athletes from around the world are competing in the 2026 World Rafting Cup on Kenya's Tana River, with races taking place in the town of Sagana in Kirinyaga County, north of the capital, Nairobi.
China's technology sector is producing billion-dollar startups at its fastest pace in nearly five years, with artificial intelligence and robotics driving a new wave of investment that is reshaping the country's innovation economy.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment