Spain Advances to World Cup Semifinals After Late Goal

Spain reached the semifinals of the World Cup after a substitute scored in the 86th minute to secure a 2-1 victory over Belgium. The goal came on the substitute's second touch after a rebound from a long shot. Spain had earlier taken the lead before Belgium equalized in the 41st minute with a header.

Belgium became the first team to score against Spain at this year's tournament, ending a run of six consecutive clean sheets. The streak had lasted 650 minutes. Spain's previous clean-sheet record began with a 0-0 draw in the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup.

The Colombian football federation condemned death threats sent to a midfielder and his family after the team's round-of-16 exit. The threats followed a missed scoring chance during extra time in a penalty-shootout loss to Switzerland. The federation stated that no athlete or family member should face intimidation for representing their country.

Portugal's new coach said age does not matter and that a 41-year-old forward remains eligible for selection. The coach previously worked with the player at a Saudi club. The forward scored three goals at the 2026 World Cup before announcing retirement from World Cup competition while leaving open the possibility of future national-team appearances.