Arsenal’s Mikel Merino rose from bench again to give Spain the victory over Belgium in the quarter finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He was the hero against Portugal in the last round. He is the hero against Belgium, sending Spain to the last 4 for the first time since they won it in 2010.

Fabian Ruiz opened scoring in the 30th minute before Charles De Ketelaere equalized in the 41st minute. Mikel Merino grabbed the winner 2 minutes after coming on in the 86th minute. France will play Spain in the semis.

Two matches are left to decide the remaining duo of the semi final. Norway play England before Argentina take on Switzerland in Kansas City.

England and Norway have played 12 times with the Three Lions winning 7 times while the Vikings have 2 wins. England could be without Guehi, Rice and Saka who are nursing an injury or the other. Can the English backline keep out Haaland?

The Argentines are unbeaten in the 7 meetings against Switzerland, winning 5 times. They met twice in the World Cup with clean sheet victories for the South Americans. Will Argentina keep a clean sheet? They have been suspect at the back.

Did you know that Messi scored his first international hattrick against Switzerland?

My predictions: Norway 1-2 England, Argentina 2-0 Switzerland.