Mikel Merino is no longer merely a trump card on the substitutes' bench — he has become the most decisive weapon in Spain's lineup, having guided his country's national team to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup with two late winning goals in two consecutive knockout-round matches.
Merino became the first player in World Cup history to score a winning goal for his country in two separate knockout-stage matches after coming on as a substitute, rescuing Spain from an uncertain fate in both of its last two games.
He came on as a substitute against Portugal in the round of 16 and, just 6 minutes later, scored the winner in the 91st minute, earning Spain a precious 1–0 victory and eliminating the Portuguese side from the tournament.
In the quarter-final, the midfielder repeated the same scenario against Belgium, assuming the starring role. He came on in the 86th minute before striking the net just 2 minutes later, capitalising on a ball that rebounded off substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens, to lead La Roja into a semi-final clash with France.
Coach Luis de la Fuente has consistently expressed his confidence in the Arsenal player, regarding him as one of the midfielders most capable of reading space and positioning himself inside the penalty area at precisely the right moment to decide matches.
And although Merino played only a few minutes during the 2026 World Cup, he proved himself one of the most prominent stars of the Spanish national team in the tournament, thanks to his impactful contributions and goals.