Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals after substitute Mikel Merino scored a dramatic late winner to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Belgium at SoFi Stadium.

Merino struck in the 87th minute to break Belgium’s stubborn resistance and send La Roja into the last four, where they will face France in a blockbuster semi-final on Tuesday.

Spain dominated possession for much of the contest and took a deserved lead in the 29th minute when Fabián Ruiz finished from close range following sustained pressure from Luis de la Fuente’s side.

Belgium, however, responded before the interval as Charles De Ketelaere headed home in the 41st minute to level the score, ending Spain’s impressive 609-minute shutout streak at the tournament. The goal was De Ketelaere’s third of the competition, following his brace in Belgium’s Round of 16 victory over the United States.

The Red Devils suffered a setback even before kickoff after captain and influential midfielder Youri Tielemans sustained an injury during the warm-up, forcing head coach Domenico Tedesco into a late change to his starting lineup.

Belgium’s injury woes continued in the second half when first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off in the 71st minute, with substitute Senne Lammens taking his place.

Despite enjoying just 32 per cent of possession, Belgium defended resolutely and looked set to force the match into extra time as they frustrated Spain’s attacking efforts for much of the second half.

However, Spain’s persistence finally paid off three minutes from time when Merino, introduced from the bench, capitalised on a late opening and fired past Lammens to seal a dramatic victory.

The result keeps Spain’s World Cup title hopes alive and sets up a highly anticipated semi-final showdown with France, while Belgium bow out of the tournament after a determined quarter-final display.