World Cup 2026: Jeremy Doku bow out with Belgium as Nico Williams helps Spain to march on

World Cup 2026: Jeremy Doku bow out with Belgium as Nico Williams helps Spain to march on

Spain booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium on Friday, in a quarter-final that saw two players of Ghanaian descent take centre stage.

Substitute Nico Williams, the younger brother of Ghana forward Inaki Williams, played his part as Spain secured a late winner to continue their quest for a second World Cup title.

For Belgium, however, Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku saw his tournament come to an end as the Red Devils fell just short of a place in the last four.

Spain will now face France in the semi-finals after Mikel Merino’s late strike proved decisive.

Fabian Ruiz puts Spain ahead

On the matchday, Spain made a positive start and almost opened the scoring in the 30th minute when Dani Olmo collected a loose pass inside the penalty area and fired a low effort towards goal.

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois reacted well to make a comfortable save, but moments later he was beaten.

Fabian Ruiz was quickest to react after the ball broke kindly inside the penalty area, firing a low finish into the middle of the net to hand Spain a deserved 1-0 lead.

Belgium hit back before the break

Belgium responded impressively and restored parity before half-time.

Charles De Ketelaere rose to meet an inviting cross from Timothy Castagne in the 41st minute, directing a close-range header into the left side of the goal to level the scores at 1-1.

The equaliser ensured the teams went into the interval with everything still to play for.

Merino seals Spain’s place in the last four

The second half produced chances for both sides, with Courtois keeping Belgium in the contest.

The experienced goalkeeper produced an outstanding save in the 63rd minute to deny Mikel Oyarzabal after the Spain forward found space inside the penalty area.

With extra time looming, Spain finally found the breakthrough.

In the 88th minute, substitute Mikel Merino reacted quickest after the ball fell loose inside the box, firing home from close range to seal a 2-1 victory and send Spain into the semi-finals.

Spain grab a late goal to secure their place in the Semi-final! ????????#FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 10, 2026

Ghanaian roots on both sides

The contest also carried added interest for Ghanaian football fans.

Nico Williams, whose parents are Ghanaian and whose older brother Inaki represents the Black Stars, featured for Spain as they progressed to the final four.

On the opposite side, Belgium winger Jeremy Doku, who is also of Ghanaian descent, saw his World Cup campaign come to an end despite another energetic display.

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