Spain secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium, with Mikel Merino scoring a late winner to send them to the World Cup semi-finals against France.

• Mikel Merino, a super sub, netted the decisive goal in the 88th minute.
• Spain will face reigning champions France in the semi-finals on Tuesday.
• Despite Belgium fighting back from an early goal by Fabian Ruiz, a late error by substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens proved costly.

Hundreds of Egyptian fans welcomed home their national football team, the Pharaohs, following their historic best-ever performance at the World Cup. The team achieved their first World Cup win and reached the last 16 for the first time before a narrow 3-2 exit to Argentina.

• Egypt reached the last 16 for the first time in their history.
• The Egyptian national football team was met with widespread celebrations.
• Fans also showed support for Gaza, waving Palestinian flags and honoring coach Hossam Hassan.

European champions Spain aim to secure a World Cup semi-final clash with France by defeating Belgium in a quarter-final match on Friday.

• Spain boasts a formidable defense, having yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
• Key players include Spain's attacker Lamine Yamal and Belgium's impactful substitute Romelu Lukaku.
• Belgium, considered underdogs, have shown significant improvement throughout the tournament, culminating in a 4-1 demolition of the USA.