Mikel Merino's World Cup story took another stunning turn as the Spain midfielder scored with barely two minutes remaining to sink Belgium and fire his country into the semi-finals. It was the latest act of late‑game heroism from a player who, just six months ago, could not walk without a mobility scooter.
Introduced in the 86th minute, Merino poached the winner after a fumble by Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens, sparking wild celebrations in Los Angeles. Four days earlier, he had come off the bench to break Portuguese hearts with an equally dramatic strike. He is now the first substitute in World Cup history to score winning goals in separate knockout ties.
A recovery against the odds
In January, Merino suffered a stress fracture of his foot while at Arsenal. The injury left him unable to bear weight for two months, confined to a mobility scooter. Doubts swirled over whether he would even make the World Cup squad.
“I had two options, to go down and cry myself into extinction, or keep my head up, be positive and use my time to improve other aspects.”
The 30‑year‑old’s determination saw him return to training in May, and his character is now shining on the biggest stage. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, who has known Merino since youth level, put his faith unwaveringly in the midfielder.
“I have a great affection for all the players, but with Merino there’s something special… If necessary, I’d go to pick him up at his house. He’s world‑class. Mikel never disappoints. He’s a safe bet.”
Super‑sub extraordinaire
Merino’s script against Belgium followed the template set against Portugal. He was given only a handful of minutes plus stoppage time, yet again found the net when it mattered most. His poacher’s instinct—reacting sharpest to a rebound after Pau Cubarsi’s shot—epitomised his alertness and big‑game mentality.
Remarkably, all this has come from a player who has started only one match in the tournament. With barely nine minutes of normal time across those two knockout games, Merino has dragged Spain into a semi‑final meeting with France almost single‑handedly from the bench.
A history of clutch moments
This is not the first time Merino has delivered for his country. At Euro 2024, his extra‑time header against Germany booked Spain’s place in the final. For Arsenal, he has turned into a reliable source of crucial goals, with 10 of his 11 Premier League strikes either drawing his side level or putting them ahead. His list of victims includes Liverpool, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Newcastle—teams that rarely give up soft goals.
That knack for rising to the occasion explains why Mikel Arteta values him so highly, and why de la Fuente trusts him implicitly. Even when not starting, Merino’s impact is now defining Spain’s campaign.
Key Takeaways
- Mikel Merino has become the first substitute to score match‑winning goals in two separate World Cup knockout ties, bagging late winners against Portugal and Belgium.
- The 30‑year‑old overcame a serious foot fracture that left him on a mobility scooter for two months, only returning to training in May.
- His manager Luis de la Fuente calls him “world‑class” and a “safe bet”—praise underpinned by Merino’s history of decisive goals for club and country.
- Spain now face France in the semi‑finals, with Merino’s super‑sub role proving a fearsome weapon.
- Merino’s 10 out of 11 Premier League goals for Arsenal have either equalised or put his side in the lead, underscoring his clutch credentials.
Quick Facts
Age: 30
Position: Midfielder / Forward
World Cup 2026 appearances: 5 (1 start, 4 substitute)
Knockout goals: 2 (vs Portugal, vs Belgium)
Time on pitch in last two games: 9 minutes + stoppage time
Previous tournament heroics: Extra‑time winner vs Germany at Euro 2024