local
Mikel Merino stars again as Spain edges Belgium 2-1 in the World Cup quarterfinals
By Greg Beacham, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News
· July 10, 2026
· 3 min read
Mikel Merino scored in the 88th minute on a rebound yielded by backup Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens, and Spain advanced to the World Cup semifinals with a 2-1 victory on Friday.Merino was the late hero for the second straight match for Spain, which will face tournament favorite France in the s...
Key takeaway Merino came on in the 86th minute and scored on his second touch of the match, charging into the box and pouncing after Lammens spilled a rebound of Pau Cubarsí's long shot.
Why this matters in Alamo Heights News
For Alamo Heights residents and soccer fans in the San Antonio area, the World Cup match between Belgium and Spain is of particular interest given the potential semifinal matchup against France in the Dallas area. The Dallas metroplex is a short drive from San Antonio, making it an accessible destination for local fans who want to attend the semifinals. With Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere ending Spain's shutout run, the quarterfinal match has become more competitive, and the outcome is still uncertain. The winner will face a tough opponent in France, and local fans may be eager to see how the teams perform in the semifinals. As the World Cup progresses, Alamo Heights residents can expect to see more excitement and discussion about the tournament in their community, with potential watch parties and gatherings to cheer on their favorite teams.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Alamo Heights News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 10, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Mikel Merino scored in the 88th minute on a rebound yielded by backup Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens, and Spain advanced to the World Cup semifinals with a 2-1 victory on Friday.Merino was the late hero for the second straight match for Spain, which will face tournament favorite France in the s...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 10, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Greg Beacham, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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