Spain's Mikel Merino said La Roja deserved to lift the FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy after defeating Argentina in the final.

Spanish super-sub Mikel Merino said Friday that neutralising the threat of Lionel Messi will be a "huge challenge" as La Roja prepare for their World Cup final showdown against Argentina.

France vs Spain Score, FIFA World Cup 2026 Updates: Spain outclassed France 2-0 in the first semi-final of the World Cup, with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro.

Mikel Merino, who smashed in the World Cup quarter-final winner against Belgium in the 88th minute on Friday, said it was "surreal" to have scored a late winner in two straight knockout games for Spain.

Mikel Merino scored his second goal of the tournament when he pounced on a rebound from Pau Cubarsi's effort, which was spilled by Belgium backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

Spain beat Belgium 2-1 on Friday to move into a blockbuster World Cup semi-final against France after a hectic game decided by a goalkeeping error from Senne Lammens.