Spain vs Belgium World Cup 2026 Quarter-Final Preview
After a gritty victory over Portugal, Spain faces off against Belgium in a crucial quarter-final match at the 2026 World Cup. The winner moves on to meet France in what could be a historic semi-final showdown. This game will take place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, July 10, with kickoff at 3pm ET.
Team Updates and Availability
- Spain has some doubts surrounding key players: Yeremi Pino, Nico Williams, and Victor Muñoz might miss the game.
- Belgium will definitely be without Zeno Debast and Amadou Onana due to injury.
Belgium’s Rocky Road to the Quarter-Finals
Belgium stumbled early, drawing their first two group games against Iran and Egypt. Their path to the knockout stage required a decisive win in the final group match. The real drama unfolded in the Round of 16 against Senegal, where Belgium staged a stunning comeback in the last ten minutes of regular time and clinched victory with a goal in the 125th minute of extra time.
Next, they faced the host nation, the United States, overcoming controversy with a commanding performance to secure their spot in the last eight.
The De Bruyne Factor
Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium’s star playmaker, has had a troubled tournament plagued by injury and poor form. Interestingly, Belgium’s most impressive moments—against Senegal and the USA—came when he was off the pitch. Yet it seems unlikely he will miss this quarter-final, leaving uncertainty about which version of Belgium fans will see in Los Angeles.
If De Bruyne plays well, Spain should prepare for a fierce contest. If not, La Roja might find the match more manageable.
Match Outlook
Spain enters as favorites, aiming for a semi-final clash with France and a chance to write World Cup history. But Belgium’s talent means they cannot be underestimated. This encounter promises excitement, set against the backdrop of Hollywood’s glitz.
Projected Starting Lineups
With De Bruyne likely back in the lineup, predicting Belgium’s performance is tricky. Still, Spain looks strong enough to edge this battle, possibly winning 2-1.
