Here's everything you need to know ahead of the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash between Spain and Belgium, including expected lineups, key stats, and where to watch.
Spain has secured its place among the world's top eight teams and now return to Los Angeles for a showdown with Belgium. Luis de la Fuente's La Roja are riding high after knocking out Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, while Rudi Garcia's Red Devils have reached the quarter-finals on the back of a dominant win over the United States.
Led by captain Rodri, Spain has been one of the most solid teams in the tournament. They finished first in Group H with seven points and have not conceded a single goal so far in the tournament. In the knockout stages, Spain dispatched Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 before a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal in the Round of 16, sealed by a 91st-minute goal from Mikel Merino assisted by Ferran Torres.
In contrast, Belgium's journey has been a rollercoaster despite their talented squad. After winning their group, Rudi Garcia's men have relied on sheer grit. They overcame a 0-2 deficit to beat Senegal 3-2 in the Round of 32, thanks to a brace from Youri Tielemans—including a 120th-minute penalty—and a goal from Romelu Lukaku. They then hit top form in the Round of 16, thrashing the United States 4-1 in Seattle with a double from Charles De Ketelaere and goals from Hans Vanaken and Lukaku.
Spain has won its last five matches against Belgium. Belgium has only scored one goal in those last five meetings.
Spain are unbeaten in their last five games (4 wins, 1 draw), scoring nine goals and conceding none.
The Red Devils have won three and drawn two of their last five matches, scoring 13 goals and conceding five.
Belgium became the second team to win a World Cup match after trailing by two goals in their comeback win against Senegal.
Overall, Spain holds a clear advantage in their historical matchups. In 23 meetings, La Roja have won 12, drawn 5, and lost only 6. They are also on a five-game winning streak against Belgium, with their last encounter being a 2016 friendly in Brussels that Spain won 2-0 with a David Silva double.
However, the World Cup tells a more balanced story. At Mexico 1986, Belgium eliminated Spain in the quarterfinals via a penalty shootout (5-4) after a goalless draw. Spain got their revenge at Italy 1990 with a 2-1 win in the group stage. Forty years after their first World Cup clash, they meet again in the same round.
Coach: Luis de la Fuente
Formation: 4-3-3
ST | |||||
LW | RW | ||||
CM | CM | ||||
CDM | |||||
LB | RB | ||||
CB | CB | ||||
GK | |||||
Coach: Rudi Garcia
Formation: 4-2-3-1
ST | |||||
LM | CAM | RM | |||
CM | CM | ||||
LB | RB | ||||
CB | CB | ||||
GK | |||||
Spain will face Belgium at the Los Angeles Stadium on Friday, July 10th.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET (2:00 PM CT / 1:00 PM MT / 12:00 PM PT).
The match will be broadcast on FS1 and Telemundo for fans in the United States. It can be streamed on Fubo, YouTube TV, and FOX Sports.
Read the latest World Cup news on site.
World Cup History & Records.
2026 World Cup Storm & Lightning Protocol.
FIFA's Rule Changes for the 2026 World Cup.
World Cup Knockout Stage Rules & Format.