The FIFA World Cup quarter-finals bring together two European heavyweights as Spain and Belgium battle for a coveted place in the last four.
Spain have emerged as one of the tournament’s standout teams, reaching the quarter-finals without conceding a single goal. Belgium, meanwhile, arrive in California full of confidence after producing one of the most impressive performances of the Round of 16, dismantling hosts United States 4-1 to keep their World Cup dream alive.
With a semi-final berth at stake, Friday’s clash promises to be one of the defining matches of the tournament.
Match Preview
Spain’s march through the World Cup has been built on remarkable balance.
After opening the tournament with a goalless draw against Cape Verde, Luis de la Fuente’s side responded emphatically, defeating Saudi Arabia and Uruguay before comfortably dispatching Austria in the Round of 16. Their latest triumph came in a fiercely contested Iberian derby, where Mikel Oyarzabal’s decisive goal secured a 1-0 victory over Portugal and extended Spain’s unbeaten run to 35 matches in all competitions.
Defensively, La Roja have been virtually flawless.
Five matches, five clean sheets and complete control in possession have underlined why Spain are considered among the favourites to lift the trophy. Rodri continues to dictate the tempo from midfield, while teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has added another dimension to Spain’s attack with his pace, creativity and fearlessness.
Belgium’s route to the quarter-finals has been far more dramatic.
The Red Devils endured an inconsistent group-stage campaign before producing a stunning comeback against Senegal in the Round of 32. They followed that with their finest performance of the tournament, overwhelming the United States 4-1 through a clinical display that reminded everyone of the quality still present within Rudi Garcia’s squad.
Kevin De Bruyne remains Belgium’s creative heartbeat, Romelu Lukaku has rediscovered his scoring touch, while Jérémy Doku continues to trouble defenders with his explosive pace. Belgium have scored 13 goals during the tournament, making them one of the competition’s most dangerous attacking teams.
Friday’s contest therefore presents a fascinating contrast.
Spain boast the tournament’s best defensive record and have yet to concede a goal, while Belgium arrive with one of the most productive attacks remaining in the competition. Something has to give.
Team News
Spain are expected to remain without winger Nico Williams, who continues to recover from a hamstring injury. However, Luis de la Fuente is unlikely to make major changes after the victory over Portugal, with Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal expected to lead the attack once again.
Belgium have only one notable fitness concern, with defender Zeno Debast still unavailable. Romelu Lukaku should continue up front after his outstanding display against the United States, supported by Kevin De Bruyne, Leandro Trossard and Jérémy Doku.
Form Guide
Spain: D-W-W-W-W-W
Spain have steadily improved throughout the tournament and remain unbeaten, combining defensive solidity with patient, possession-based football.
Belgium: D-D-W-W-W
The Red Devils have overcome a slow start to rediscover their attacking rhythm, scoring seven goals across their last two knockout matches.
Predicted Lineups
Spain: Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Álex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal.
Belgium: Thibaut Courtois; Timothy Castagne, Brandon Mechele, Arthur Theate, Maxim De Cuyper; Youri Tielemans, Nicolas Raskin; Leandro Trossard, Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku; Romelu Lukaku.
Prediction
Belgium possess enough attacking talent to trouble any defence in world football, but Spain have consistently demonstrated why they are regarded as one of the tournament’s most complete teams.
Their control in midfield, defensive organisation and ability to dictate the tempo should gradually wear Belgium down. While the Red Devils are capable of creating moments through De Bruyne and Lukaku, Spain’s defensive discipline could once again prove decisive.
Expect a tightly contested encounter, with few clear-cut opportunities, before La Roja edge another knockout battle and continue their march towards the semi-finals.
We Say
Spain 2-0 Belgium
Kick-off: Friday, July 10, 2026
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Quarter-final
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