Spain national football team midfielder Fabián Ruiz scored a brilliant opening goal from inside the penalty box to give his team a 1-0 lead against the Belgium national football team in the first half of the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal match at the Los Angeles Stadium. The dynamic midfielder expertly navigated the crowded penalty area to slot home a precise finish in the 39th minute of play following sensational build-up work spearheaded by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal on the right flank. As La Roja look to secure their spot in the tournament semi-finals, the explosive encounter showcases premium tactical battles between European football heavyweights before a completely packed arena crowd in Inglewood.
🚨FABIAN RUIZ OPENS THE SCORING FOR SPAIN!
Spain 🇪🇸 1-0 Belgium 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/R2AAM2kZl4
— Fadi Djerrai (@FadyHimself) July 10, 2026
Spain vs Belgium, FIFA World Cup 2026: Ruiz Capitalizes On Precise Penalty Box Delivery To Secure Initial Lead
The critical breakthrough arrived after intense initial pressure from the reigning European champions, who looked to dominate possession from the opening whistle. Ruiz timed his offensive run perfectly into the heart of the opposition area before applying a clinical close-range finish past the reaching arms of veteran Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The technical composure shown during the quick attacking sequence immediately sent the travelling Spanish supporters into absolute raptures inside the stadium structure.
🚨 | GOOAL!!! FABIAN RUIZ SCORES FOR SPAIN….💥 pic.twitter.com/g2vtoMXDlK
— Cedø™ (@Cedo_ke) July 10, 2026
Fans also praised the vision of Yamal, whose sharp passing selection dragged the opposing defensive line out of position to create the necessary tap-in lane. The brilliant combination play unlocked a stubborn defensive setup anchored by Brandon Mechele and Timothy Castagne, who had previously managed to block early crosses. With the initial deadlock broken, the tactical pressure shifts completely onto the opposing technical staff to modify their active system.
Forward Charles De Ketelaere Equalises With Explosive First Half Response For The Red Devils
In the 41st minute, the Belgian side had a reply and a great one in that as lively attacker Charles De Ketelaere created some space in the attacking half to finish up the crucial equaliser for the Belgians.
Their rapid-fire play in the final third totally surprised the Spanish defence, and De Ketelaere got his space in the box to put up a firm strike past the Spanish keeper Unai Simón to end Spain’s long unbeaten run of clean sheets at the tournament with just minutes to go in the second half.
⚽️ Gol de Bélgica. Marca De Ketelaere.
🇪🇸 🆚 🇧🇪 | 1-1 | 41’#VamosEspaña | #CopaMundialFIFA
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) July 10, 2026
