World Cup 2026 Quarter-Final Preview: Spain Take On Belgium
Spain vs Belgium – The Standard’s coverage is made possible through reader support. When you navigate to external websites via links on this page, we receive a commission.
This article features content from Exco Player, which may utilize cookies or comparable tracking technologies. To view the embedded material, please select ‘Allow and Continue’ below.
Today brings a crucial World Cup 2026 quarter-final encounter as Spain face Belgium in what promises to be an enthralling contest. La Roja enter this fixture as reigning European champions and stand alone among the remaining teams having not conceded a single goal throughout the tournament so far. Their path to the last eight was secured with a dramatic 1-0 victory over fierce rivals Portugal, sealed in the dying moments of the match.
CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW SPAIN VS BELGIUM LIVE!
Arsenal’s Mikel Merino proved to be the hero for Spain, netting the decisive strike during second-half stoppage time. This result extends Spain’s winning streak to four consecutive matches, following an unexpected draw against Cape Verde in their opening group stage encounter.
Belgium, on the other hand, have transformed into a completely different side since finishing atop their group. A remarkable comeback triumph against Senegal propelled them into the last sixteen, where they delivered a commanding display against co-hosts the United States.
The victor of this quarter-final clash will progress to next week’s opening semi-final, where they will encounter favourites France. Les Bleus advanced to the final four after defeating Morocco 2-0 in Boston on Thursday evening.
Match Details and Viewing Information
Spain versus Belgium is set to begin at 8pm BST on Friday, July 10, 2026. The fixture will be staged at Los Angeles Stadium, also known as SoFI Stadium, located in Inglewood, California.
For British audiences, the match will be broadcast live and free on BBC One, with pre-match coverage commencing at 7.30pm BST. Alternatively, UK supporters can watch the game online through BBC iPlayer or the BBC Sport website.
Follow all the action on matchday through Standard Sport’s live blog. World Cup highlights will be accessible on FIFA’s official YouTube channel, as well as via the BBC iPlayer and ITVX applications.
Team News and Lineups
Spain continue to face selection dilemmas with Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino still unavailable for the knockout stages. Meanwhile, new Liverpool recruit Victor Munoz has recovered from an injury that kept him out of the group phase, though he is not expected to start or play a significant role in this match.
Spain Squad:
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David Raya, Joan Garcia
Defenders: Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, Pedro Porro, Aymeric Laporte, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo
Midfielders: Rodri, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Pedri, Gavi, Fabian Ruiz, Alex Baena
Forwards: Yeremy Pino, Victor Munoz, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Borja Iglesias
Belgium manager Rudi Garcia has taken bold tactical decisions throughout the competition. In the last-16 victory over the USA, he chose to bench both Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku. However, he must now make at least one alteration following the loss of Amadou Onana, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in his right knee.
Belgium Squad:
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Senne Lammens, Mike Penders
Defenders: Timothy Castagne, Zeno Debast, Maxim de Cuyper, Koni de Winter, Brandon Mechele, Thomas Meunier, Nathan Ngoy, Joaquin Seys, Arthur Theate
Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne, Amadou Onana, Nicolas Raskin, Youri Tielemans, Hans Vanaken, Axel Witsel
Forwards: Charles de Ketelaere, Jeremy Doku, Matias Fernandez-Pardo, Romelu Lukaku, Dodi Lukebakio, Diego Moreira, Alexis Saelemaekers, Leandro Trossard
Belgium’s progression has surprised many observers. After unconvincing performances in their first two group matches and trailing Senegal by two goals in the 85th minute before their comeback, they then faced the host nation in the last sixteen.
While Spain will present a greater challenge, we believe the European champions will prove too strong for the Red Devils, having shown consistent improvement with each successive match.
Betting Odds and Responsibility
Odds are provided by betting sites and remain subject to change.
We strive to deliver every online gambler and Standard reader a secure and equitable platform through impartial reviews and recommendations from the UK’s leading online gambling operators.
Gambling carries the risk of addiction. Always play responsibly and wager only amounts you can afford to lose. Betting platforms offer various tools to help you maintain control, such as deposit limits and time-outs. Should you believe you have a gambling problem, assistance and guidance are available immediately from BeGambleAware or Gamcare.
Any offers or odds presented in this article are accurate at the time of publication but may vary subsequently.
