The 2026 World Cup quarter-finals served up a night of high drama and raw emotion, with Spain snatching a last-gasp victory over Belgium while England’s players steel themselves for the monumental task of stopping Erling Haaland.
In Kansas City, the Spanish faithful held their breath until the very end. Fabian Ruiz’s composed finish in the 30th minute looked like it might be enough to send Spain through. But Belgium, as they always do, fought back. Charles De Ketelaere’s equalizer silenced the red-and-gold end of the stadium and ended Spain’s incredible 560-minute streak without conceding a goal. Extra time loomed—until the moment that changed everything.
When Thibaut Courtois, Belgium’s towering goalkeeper and the man who has saved them countless times, limped off with an injury in the 71st minute, the Belgians’ hearts sank. His replacement, Senne Lammens, was thrown into the deep end with everything on the line. The young keeper got a hand to Pau Cubarsi’s shot, but he could only push it into the path of Mikel Merino. The substitute, who had been on the pitch for just a matter of minutes, smashed the rebound into the roof of the net to send Spain into delirium. It was his second late winner in two knockout games. Merino is becoming Spain’s not-so-secret weapon—a man who doesn’t start but always finds a way to finish the job.
Spain now face France in a semi-final that has everyone licking their lips. Coach Luis de la Fuente, still catching his breath, called it “a final before the final.”
Meanwhile, all eyes turn to Miami, where England are preparing for their own quarter-final date with destiny. And standing in their way is the man who has haunted the Premier League for years: Erling Haaland. The Norwegian machine already has seven goals in the tournament. He looks unstoppable.
England midfielder Morgan Rogers summed it up with refreshing honesty: “Has anyone ever stopped Erling Haaland? I’m not sure they have.”
England captain Harry Kane, with six goals of his own, knows this is personal. Both men are chasing the Golden Boot, but only one can chase a semi-final place. Norway’s coach has called England the favorites, but the pressure is a funny thing in tournament football.
Thomas Tuchel, England’s coach, has his own headaches. Marc Guehi is nursing a hamstring injury and is a major doubt. Declan Rice missed training with a sickness bug. Jarell Quansah is suspended. It’s far from ideal.
Yet, there is belief. Reece James is back in full training, and Kane has that look in his eye—the look of a man who has waited his whole career to lift that trophy. In Miami, against Haaland and his relentless Norwegians, England’s resolve will be tested to its very limits. One thing is certain: football is delivering the kind of drama that makes the world stop and watch.
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