Spain Faces Belgium in FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter-Final

Agency July 10, 2026

Spain Faces Belgium in FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter-Final

Los Angeles. Spain will compete against Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday with the goal of reaching the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2010. Belgium had ended the 'American dream' by defeating host nation USA in a match overshadowed by political controversy.

Now it faces an even tougher challenge. 'The Red Devils' will face Spain, whose strong defense and disciplined possession-based style of play have made them one of the main title contenders in the tournament.

After not performing as expected in the first match, Spain has become more mature with each game and secured a place in the quarter-finals in impressive fashion. 'La Roja' (meaning The Red One) set a record by not conceding a goal in their sixth consecutive World Cup match by defeating Portugal on Monday. They are the first team in World Cup history to achieve this feat. This match also ended Cristiano Ronaldo's dream of winning the World Cup.

Belgium's journey in the North American World Cup, on the other hand, has been quite eventful. If they can surprise current European champions Spain on Friday, they will reach the semi-finals.

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How did Spain and Belgium reach the quarter-finals?

Spain topped Group 'H' with seven points. They defeated Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, and drew with Cape Verde. In the knockout stage, Spain beat Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32. Then, in the Round of 16 Iberian derby, they defeated Portugal 1-0 with a late goal.

Belgium, on the other hand, topped Group 'G' with five points. They defeated New Zealand and drew with Iran and Egypt. In the Round of 32, Belgium beat Senegal 3-2 in extra time, and then defeated the USA 4-1 in the Round of 16. That match was also in the spotlight due to controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun's red card suspension.

'We can beat Spain': Courtois

In the FIFA world rankings, Spain is third and Belgium is eighth. Despite a difference of only five places in the rankings, there is a significant difference in the quality between the two teams.

Spain, the 2010 World Champions, are unbeaten in 35 consecutive matches. Under coach Luis de la Fuente, the team has journeyed from being European champions to becoming one of the main contenders for the World Cup.

On the other hand, Belgium's recent history is not as impressive. The team was eliminated from the group stage in the 2022 World Cup and returned home from the Round of 16 in Euro 2024.

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However, Belgium's captain and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois believes his team can beat Spain. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, he said, 'All the players in our team believe this is possible. We have quality players that Spain must also take seriously.'

He added, 'Unexpected results always happen in football, and this time it could be us. Beating the European champions would be a great achievement. Our confidence is high.'

Courtois further said, 'Initially, many people were disappointed with us, but we have changed that perception. Our game has been improving day by day.'

For Belgium, who finished third in 2018, this World Cup is likely the last major tournament for the remaining players of the so-called 'golden generation'.

Experienced players like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are still the mainstays of the team. Lukaku has scored three goals for Belgium in this World Cup. Leandro Trossard has two goals and two assists, while Charles De Ketelaere and Youri Tielemans have also scored two goals each.

'Yamal gives a lot to the team': Dani Olmo

Lamine Yamal, playing in his first World Cup, has not yet performed as brilliantly as expected. The 18-year-old Yamal, returning from a hamstring injury to play in the tournament, has scored only one goal in five matches.

Spain's top scorer Mikel Oyarzabal has scored four goals. According to midfielder Dani Olmo, Yamal is gradually finding his rhythm in the tournament.

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He said, 'His dribbling and presence benefit the team a lot. When he gets the ball, two or three opposing players are attracted to him, which creates space for other players.'

Olmo added, 'Lamine scores goals and provides assists. He has always done this in his short career. Even without goals or assists, his effort for the team is equally important.'

Predicted outcome of the match

According to Opta Supercomputer, Spain has a 59.3 percent chance of winning in regulation time, while Belgium has an 18.3 percent chance of winning. The probability of the match going into extra time is 22.4 percent.

Who will the winner face in the semi-finals?

The winner of the match between Spain and Belgium will compete against France in the semi-finals on Tuesday in Dallas, Texas. France had already secured their place in the final four by defeating Morocco 2-0 on Thursday.

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Head-to-head

Spain and Belgium have met twice in the World Cup so far, with both teams winning one match each. In the 1986 quarter-finals, Belgium won 5-4 on penalties. In the 1990 group stage, Spain defeated Belgium 2-1.

For Belgium, this is their third quarter-final in the last four World Cups. For Spain, the quarter-final has not always been a happy stage. They have only advanced past this stage twice in history. They reached the final stage in 1950 and eventually became world champions by defeating Paraguay in 2010.

Team's latest condition

Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana is out for the rest of the World Cup after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. Spain's team has not had any new injury problems so far.

Spain's probable starting lineup (4-2-3-1):