Spain vs Belgium World Cup 2026 Quarter-Final Preview
La Roja face a challenging European rival as they aim for a spot in the semi-finals at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The match is set for Friday, July 10, 2026, at 3pm ET (12pm PT), with referee Michael Oliver from England overseeing the game.
Team News and Absences
- Spain may be without Yeremi Pino, Nico Williams, and Victor Muñoz, whose status remains uncertain.
- Belgium will definitely miss Zeno Debast and Amadou Onana due to injury.
Broadcast Information
The match will air on FOX in the USA, BBC One in the UK, United8 Sports 1 in India, and SuperSport in Nigeria. Online streaming options include FuboTV, BBC iPlayer, ZEE5, and DAZN.
Road to the Quarter-Finals
After narrowly defeating Portugal in a tight clash, Spain now faces Belgium, who have had a rollercoaster tournament. Belgium’s start was shaky with draws against Iran and Egypt, forcing a must-win final group match to advance. Their knockout round saw a dramatic comeback against Senegal, capped by a goal in the 125th minute of extra time. Then they faced the host nation, the United States, overcoming controversy and winning decisively to reach this stage.
The Kevin De Bruyne Factor
Belgium's performance has been notably better without Kevin De Bruyne. His World Cup form has suffered, likely due to injuries sustained during the club season. Without him, Belgium played more cohesively and athletically. It’s almost certain De Bruyne will return against Spain, but which version of Belgium will appear remains a mystery. If they show the side that dominated the US, Spain will need to be on high alert. If not, La Roja could have an easier path forward.
Match Outlook
This encounter promises excitement. Spain enters as favorites, but Belgium’s talent should not be underestimated. The world looks ahead to a potential semifinal showdown between Spain and Kylian Mbappé’s France, making this quarter-final all the more significant.
“This is a fascinating clash, one that Spain will be favorites to win as the world awaits a spectacle against France. But Belgium are too talented to be taken for granted, and this should be a fun one in Hollywood.”
Projected Starting Lineups
Belgium’s best performances came without De Bruyne, yet he is expected to feature. That makes forecasting difficult. Our guess leans towards Spain edging it with a 2-1 victory, setting up a thrilling semifinal clash against France.
