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Spain Beats Belgium, Reaches Semi; Messi Ties Mbappé

7/13/2026

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Summary

Spain Advances

Spain reached its first World Cup semi-final since 2010 by defeating Belgium 2-1.
The Spain-France semi-final will be played Tuesday at 3 p.m. ET in Dallas.
Lamine Yamal, who turned 19 on Monday, said he is not afraid of France after noting Spain’s two recent wins over them.
Lionel Messi, 39, has eight goals, tying Kylian Mbappé for the Golden Boot lead.

Summary

Rodri Captains

Rodri, a Ballon d’Or winner, said captaining a World Cup-winning side is the highest aspiration, achieved only once before.
After Carvajal and Morata left, Rodri now leads on-field and keeps bench players David Raya and Joan García engaged.
He recalled biking to training while classmates were unaware of his football career, contrasting Yamal’s under-19 European Championship before 4,149 spectators.

History

Historical Context

In 1998 France captured its first World Cup at home, beating Brazil 3-0 before 80,000 at the Stade de France and then added Euro 2000, becoming world-and-European champions. Spain, after winning the 2010 World Cup in Dallas, now fields Rodri and teen Lamine Yamal in 2024, hoping to reach its first semi-final since that triumph.

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Spain Advances

Spain reached its first World Cup semi-final since 2010 by defeating Belgium 2-1.
The Spain-France semi-final will be played Tuesday at 3 p.m. ET in Dallas.
Lamine Yamal, who turned 19 on Monday, said he is not afraid of France after noting Spain’s two recent wins over them.
Lionel Messi, 39, has eight goals, tying Kylian Mbappé for the Golden Boot lead.

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