Spain will continue their hunt for a second FIFA World Cup title when they take on Belgium in their quarterfinal clash on Friday evening in California.
La Roja booked their place in the last eight after a narrow 1-0 victory against Portugal courtesy of a late Mikel Merino effort. This is the first time they have made it past the round of 16 since they won the trophy in 2010.
They face a Belgian outfit who were completely dominant in their round of 16 victory against co-hosts USA early Tuesday morning. Rudi Garcia’s side ran riot in a 4-1 win that was marred by controversy ahead of kick-off, following the suspension of Folarin Balogun’s red card by FIFA.
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All three co-hosts of the FIFA World Cup saw their dream extinguished in the round of 16, with the USA being the final team to be knocked out after Canada and Mexico were also eliminated.
The Red Devils finished third in the 2018 edition and followed that up with a group stage exit in Qatar 2022. However, they have not managed to beat Spain since 1980 and have it all to prove here.
Both teams come into the match unbeaten throughout the tournament, though Spain look a better side, especially since they are yet to concede a goal from the five matches they have played so far.
Luis de la Fuente’s Spain, who have only ever won the World Cup once in their history, come into the game as favorites to book their place in the semis but should be wary of a Belgian side eager to make their mark on the global stage.
Which of these teams will maintain their unbeaten run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup to march on to the last four? Here is our predicted outcome of the match.
Betway
What time does Spain vs Belgium start?
The match kicks off at 10PM E.A.T at the SoFi Stadium
Spain vs Belgium team news
Despite his winning goal against Portugal, Merino is expected to start on the bench as de la Fuente is expected to retain the same XI that started in the round of 16 clash.
New Real Madrid signing Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro have been instrumental on the flanks in defense and they too will start here.
Dani Olmo could be the only change expected from the Spanish starting XI, with Ferran Torres being included in the lineup. He will play alongside Alex Baena and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
Mikel Oyarzabal will continue to lead the attacking line for La Roja as they aim to make it to the semifinals.
The Belgians started Charles de Ketaleare once more and he repaid his coach with a brace in the 4-1 win against USA. Their record goalscorer Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to score as well, though he will not get the nod to start here.
Amadou Onana was taken off in the first half after a nasty looking knee injury and has been ruled out of the game. His replacement Hans Vanaken also scored in the win, and this will be enough to see him start here.
Veteran Kevin De Bruyne was an unused substitute against USA and may have to settle for a place on the bench here, as well as Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku.
Leandro Trossard and Youri Tielemans will retain their spots in the starting XI, with no other changes expected.
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Spain vs Belgium head-to-head and current form
La Roja are looking for a fifth successive win here, having scored nine goals and not conceded any in their last five outings. This is the best record of any team in the tournament.
Belgium on the other hand are also unbeaten in their last five games, winning three, including an extra time victory against Senegal in the round of 32.
Spain have been utterly dominant over their opponents in recent history – winning all of the last five matches they have played against Belgium.
Current form:
Spain – WWWWD
Belgium – WWWDD
Betway
Spain vs Belgium previous games
- Belgium 0-2 Spain (September 1, 2016)
- Spain 5-0 Belgium (September 5, 2009)
- Belgium 1-2 Spain (October 15, 2008)
- Belgium 0-2 Spain (October 8, 2005)
- Spain 2-0 Belgium (October 9, 2004)
Spain vs Belgium prediction
Spain’s defense is the best in the tournament, and this will be a huge factor in this game. It is expected to be rather cagey with a place in the semis at stake, however the Spanish outfit boasts a better recent run of form as well as notable names in the lineup.
Belgium have scored 13 goals in the tournament, and they could be the side to finally put one past La Roja, though a win could be a stretch.
Prediction – Spain to win
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