Merino Keeps Delivering in the Clutch for Spain
Mikel Merino is fast becoming the most valuable substitute in international football. The Spain midfielder came off the bench to score decisive late winners in both the round of 16 against Portugal and the quarter-final against Belgium at the 2026 World Cup — goals that have sent La Roja into the semi-finals for the first time since they won the tournament in 2010.
According to The Guardian, Merino had been on the pitch for just one minute and 56 seconds when he struck against Belgium, having played a total of around five minutes against Portugal in the previous round. Against Belgium, Spain had 68% of possession and three times as many shots as their opponents, yet still found themselves level at 1-1 with time running out before Merino settled it in the 88th minute.
It is a remarkable run of form — or perhaps something more. All three of Merino’s goals for Spain at major tournaments have come as a substitute, all have been match-winners, and they have arrived in the 119th, 90+1st and 88th minutes respectively. The Euro 2024 winner came against Germany at a stadium where his father, Ángel, once scored for Osasuna.
Merino continues to celebrate each goal by circling the corner flag, a tribute to that paternal tradition. His father was in Dallas to watch the latest effort in person, reportedly wearing novelty socks featuring an image of his son’s famous header in Stuttgart. Merino’s two-month-old son, Marco, was also present for the Belgium game after missing the round of 16.
“I don’t know how I’ll explain it to him: luckily there’s YouTube,” Merino said after the match.
Coach Luis de la Fuente was clearly untroubled about using such a well-rested player in such high-pressure moments. Despite Merino having played fewer than 30 minutes of football since February due to injury, De la Fuente held firm and waited for him. The coach described the midfielder as “super complete” and capable of operating across multiple positions, from a holding role to a second striker.
For UK punters tracking the tournament, these results represent a significant shift in Spanish fortunes. Spain had failed to win a single World Cup knockout match since 2010 before this run — a streak that stretched across four tournaments. Whether that pattern has genuinely broken is one to watch as they head into the semi-finals.
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