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Spain and Belgium Set for World Cup Quarterfinals Clash in Los Angeles

On Friday, July 10th, Spain and Belgium will battle for a spot in the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Luis de la Fuente's team has impressed with solid performances during the knockout rounds, edging out Portugal 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Mikel Merino. Belgium arrives full of confidence after defeating the United States 4-1, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice.

Spain’s Likely Starting Lineup

Coach Luis de la Fuente seems set to stick with the same lineup that secured victory over Portugal. The formation is a 4-3-3:

  • Goalkeeper: 23. Unai Simon
  • Defenders: 12. Pedro Porro, 22. Pau Cubarsi, 14. Aymeric Laporte, 24. Marc Cucurella
  • Midfielders: 16. Rodri, 20. Pedri, 19. Lamine Yamal
  • Forwards: 10. Dani Olmo, 15. Alex Baena, 21. Mikel Oyarzabal

The defense has been particularly effective, helping Spain keep five consecutive clean sheets—a World Cup record. Porro continues to lead at right-back ahead of Marcos Llorente. Midfield roles remain unchanged with Rodri and Pedri holding central positions. Nico Williams remains doubtful due to an adductor injury but is expected on the bench. Merino, fresh off his match-winning goal, is available as a substitute.

Belgium’s Expected Lineup

Rudi Garcia faces some selection challenges. Leandro Trossard is uncertain due to a muscle injury sustained versus the USA, while Amadou Onana is out for the tournament with a knee issue. The likely formation is a 4-2-3-1:

  • Goalkeeper: 1. Thibaut Courtois
  • Defenders: 21. Timothy Castagne, 4. Brandon Mechele, 3. Arthur Theate, 5. Maxim De Cuyper
  • Defensive midfielders: 20. Hans Vanaken, 23. Nicolas Raskin
  • Attacking midfielders: 14. Dodi Lukebakio, 8. Youri Tielemans, 11. Jeremy Doku
  • Forward: 17. Charles De Ketelaere

Vanaken is expected to replace the injured Onana. De Ketelaere leads the line with support from Lukebakio and Doku if Trossard is sidelined. Tielemans plays a creative midfield role, so Kevin De Bruyne may remain on the bench. Romelu Lukaku is also expected to be an option off the bench.

Score Prediction

The forecast sees Spain narrowly defeating Belgium 2-1 in what promises to be a competitive encounter.

Squads for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

In the United States, Fox holds national broadcast rights. Viewers can watch the match live on Fox or stream it via platforms such as fubo, Fox One, and the Fox Sports app or website. New users can try fubo with a free trial offer to watch this and other matches without cable.

Other international broadcast options include:

  • Canada: TSN channels and streaming on TSN+ and RDS app
  • United Kingdom: BBC One and streaming via BBC iPlayer or BBC Sport
  • Australia: SBS and SBS On Demand
  • India: Unite8 Sports channels and ZEE5 streaming

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