Spain eye semis as Belgium chase major World Cup upset
Spain and Belgium meet in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday, with a place in the last four against France at stake. Spain enter the contest as one of the tournament favourites after winning all five matches without conceding a goal, while Belgium arrive with renewed confidence following an inconsistent group stage and successive knockout victories.
Luis de la Fuente’s side has combined defensive solidity with possession-based football throughout the tournament. Spain advanced to the quarter-finals after edging a disciplined Portugal side 1-0 in the Round of 16 and remain the only team yet to concede at the 2026 World Cup.
Belgium, managed by Rudi Garcia, recovered from a difficult start to the competition by defeating Senegal after extra time before producing an emphatic 4-1 victory over co-hosts the United States. The Red Devils now face their biggest test against a Spanish side they have struggled against historically.
Team news
Spain have no fresh injury concerns and are expected to field an unchanged starting XI. Rodri continues to anchor midfield alongside Pedri, while Lamine Yamal remains Spain’s primary attacking threat on the right flank. Pedro Porro has cemented his place at right-back after an impressive tournament, offering both defensive stability and attacking width.
Belgium are expected to welcome captain Kevin De Bruyne back into the starting lineup after he was rested during the previous round. Amadou Onana remains unavailable after suffering an ACL injury earlier in the tournament, while defender Zeno Debast is a fitness concern and will be assessed before kickoff.
Speaking ahead of the match, Belgium coach Rudi Garcia insisted his side has the quality to compete with the tournament favourites.
“Everyone is already talking about us going home, but we believe we can do it. We believe we can pull off an upset, and we will do everything we can to make that happen,” Garcia said, according to FIFA.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also backed Belgium’s chances.
“Everyone on our team realises it’s possible. Spain are favourites, but that doesn’t mean we cannot beat them,” Courtois said, according to FIFA.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente acknowledged Belgium’s quality but stressed the importance of maintaining his side’s defensive discipline.
Predicted lineups
Spain (4-3-3): Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Alex Baena.
Belgium (4-2-3-1): Thibaut Courtois; Timothy Castagne, Brandon Mechele, Nathan Ngoy, Maxim De Cuyper; Youri Tielemans, Hans Vanaken; Jeremy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne, Leandro Trossard; Charles De Ketelaere.
La Roja have not conceded a goal in five matches and will attempt to extend that streak against one of the tournament’s highest-scoring teams. Rodri and Pedri’s ability to dictate possession will be tested by Kevin De Bruyne, whose creativity remains Belgium’s biggest attacking weapon.
Spain right-back Pedro Porro faces one of the competition’s quickest wingers in Jeremy Doku in a duel that could heavily influence both flanks. With De Bruyne, Courtois and Romelu Lukaku potentially playing their final World Cup together, Belgium’s experienced leaders will need to deliver against the tournament favourites.
Match prediction
Spain have looked the most complete team at the tournament, combining defensive resilience with control in midfield and attacking efficiency. Belgium’s resurgence makes them dangerous opponents, particularly with De Bruyne capable of producing moments of brilliance, but the Red Devils have historically struggled against Spain and may find it difficult to break down the tournament’s best defence.
Belgium’s direct transitions should create moments of pressure, but Spain’s ability to dominate possession and patiently create chances gives them the edge.
Prediction: Spain 2-0 Belgium
