Spain super-sub Mikel Merino relishing 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final against France as Arsenal midfielder talks up 'two elite teams'

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Mikel Merino says Spain cannot ask for a bigger occasion as they prepare to face France in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, describing the last-four clash as a meeting of "two elite teams". Merino again proved decisive off the bench on Friday as Spain beat Belgium 2-1.

Mikel Merino celebrates scoring Spain's winning goal against Belgium

Image credit: Getty Images

Despite scoring his second match-winning goal of Spain's knockout campaign, following his crucial intervention against Portugal in the last 16, the Arsenal midfielder refused to fuel calls for a place in Luis de la Fuente's starting XI, instead insisting he is simply ready whenever his country needs him.

Fabian Ruiz's place in the side ahead of Merino was initially vindicated after the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder arrived inside the Belgian box to sweep Spain in front after 30 minutes in Los Angeles.

Charles De Ketelaere's well-worked equaliser before half-time came against the run of play, but Spain were short on ideas before substitute Senne Lammens - on for the injured Thibaut Courtois - spilled Pau Cubarsi's shot into the path of Merino, who was perfectly placed to score the decisive goal.

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"I'm just happy," said Spain's match-winner. "I still don't really believe it. When it went into added time, I was already thinking about extra time, and then it happened again.

"It appears that coincidences don't exist if you arrive prepared, and it fell to me again. I'm very happy."

The victory leaves Spain just two wins away from lifting the World Cup for a second time, something Merino admits is difficult to comprehend.

Mikel Merino produces his trademark corner-flag celebration after his winning goal in Los Angeles

Image credit: Getty Images

"I hope it continues, yes, I hope so, but we will see," Merino added. "To be two games away from a World Cup is a dream come true, and we will keep going.

"It's something that unites the whole country, unites the whole world, because football is so beautiful.

"Everyone is watching these games, so to be able to give joy to so many people, not only in Spain but in the rest of the world, is an honour."

History is within touching distance for Spain. Sixteen years after their only previous World Cup semi-final appearance ended with the nation's maiden world title, La Roja are back among football's final four.

Attention now turns to France in Dallas on Tuesday, with Merino expecting another major test between two of the heavyweights of international football.

"You can't ask for anything more than to be in the semi-finals," Merino said.

"Two elite teams. Now we go forward with a lot of hunger and excitement to face France."

Friday's quarter-final victory over Belgium was ultimately decided by one man who emerged from the bench under-prepared and another who was fully prepared, with Merino's impact as a substitute having become a hallmark of his recent career.

Mikel Arteta has regularly deployed the 30-year-old as a "finisher" in matches at Arsenal, but Merino missed the majority of the second half of last season due to a stress fracture in his right foot. The indication from his last two appearances, however, is that he is very much back to full match sharpness.

Senne Lammens spills the ball at the feet of Merino

Image credit: Getty Images

De la Fuente said: "Mikel is incredible. He has many qualities. He is a player that, across the whole World Cup, could have played in any team and done great.

"For us, he is the standard of this idea, of this model. It is a pleasure to have him, and others, but especially him. We know that without fail, he is always there."

On whether Spain have earned the right to beat France in their semi-final, De la Fuente added: "Of course, it is fair to say that we have to work to try to beat France.

"We are not going to get preoccupied by their level. This game is no different. It is one incredible team against another incredible team.

"It's the character of our team, the attitude that every person has, that allows this team to adapt in whatever situation or circumstance.

"I'm proud and honoured to lead such a dedicated team with a drive to grow and improve against such a tough rival.

"I think we did enough to win a bit more easily, but it was not possible. At this level, at the World Cup, we know how difficult it is to win."

What would Courtois have done?

It is the question that will linger deep into the night and all summer long for Belgium.

Courtois didn't exactly cover himself in glory for Ruiz's opening goal, but his replacement Lammens - making his World Cup debut - had a nightmare that ultimately decided this contest.

Thibaut Courtois left the field in tears with a muscle injury

Image credit: Getty Images

The Manchester United goalkeeper's error was inexcusable, with the crestfallen Courtois explaining his withdrawal following the defeat.

”I felt a lot of pain in my quadriceps," the Real Madrid stopper said. "But I had no problem with staying in goal though, only for long kicks.

"In the end, the manager decided to take me off. This is no problem as the team goes beyond everything."

Manchester United were quick to post on social media when Lammens came on in Courtois' place, but within 17 minutes of his introduction, his glaring mistakes underlined his inexperience at this level.

At full-time, the Premier League club posted another message of support for the 24-year-old, writing: "Head up, Senne. We're all with you."

Wayne Rooney told the BBC: "It's clearly a mistake, and as much as I'd like to defend it, it's a mistake. Joe Hart has spoken about the flight of the ball, but I can't really defend it.

"Merino has a knack of arriving at the right moment to decide games. When we speak about the details, you tell young defenders to always follow the ball in, as if you don't, you could be out of the tournament."

His fellow pundit Micah Richards added: "It's always difficult for any player, especially a game of this magnitude [to be subbed on at short notice], but as a goalkeeper you're not fully warmed up.

"He just can't get hold of it. You want to see a winner from good combinations or a worldie, but to make that mistake, I just feel sorry for him. But it's excellent from Merino."

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