Spain and Belgium Face Off in World Cup Quarterfinals at SoFi Stadium
The 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal between Spain and Belgium will take place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, July 10th. A spot in the semifinals is on the line as both teams bring strong form from the knockout rounds.
Spain, led by coach Luis de la Fuente, has impressed with disciplined performances. They edged out Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16 thanks to a late goal by Mikel Merino. Meanwhile, Belgium arrives brimming with confidence after a commanding 4-1 win over the United States, highlighted by Charles De Ketelaere’s two goals.
Projected Lineups for Spain
Spain is expected to field the same lineup that secured their place in the quarterfinals. The formation likely will be a 4-3-3:
- Goalkeeper: Unai Simon (No. 23)
- Defenders: Pedro Porro (12), Pau Cubarsi (22), Aymeric Laporte (14), Marc Cucurella (24)
- Midfielders: Rodri (16), Pedri (20), Lamine Yamal (19)
- Forwards: Dani Olmo (10), Alex Baena (15), Mikel Oyarzabal (21)
Simon continues in goal, backed by a back four that has kept five consecutive World Cup clean sheets. Porro seems to have overtaken Marcos Llorente at right-back. Rodri and Pedri hold midfield roles, with Yamal and Baena offering width around Olmo. Nico Williams remains doubtful due to an adductor injury but could appear on the bench. Merino, the scorer against Portugal, is also expected to be available as a substitute.
Projected Lineups for Belgium
Belgium might face some selection challenges, especially if Leandro Trossard cannot recover from a muscle injury sustained against the US. Amadou Onana is out with a knee injury.
The anticipated 4-2-3-1 setup includes:
- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois (1)
- Defenders: Timothy Castagne (21), Brandon Mechele (4), Arthur Theate (3), Maxim De Cuyper (5)
- Midfielders: Hans Vanaken (20), Nicolas Raskin (23)
- Attacking Midfielders: Dodi Lukebakio (14), Youri Tielemans (8), Jeremy Doku (11)
- Forward: Charles De Ketelaere (17)
Courtois remains the goalkeeper, with Vanaken likely replacing Onana in midfield. De Ketelaere leads the attack, supported by Lukebakio and possibly Doku if Trossard sits out. Tielemans holds a creative role that has so far eliminated the need for Kevin De Bruyne’s return. Romelu Lukaku is expected to begin on the bench, ready to provide an attacking boost if needed.
Match Predictions and Viewing Info
We think the game could end with Spain winning 2-1, but Belgium’s firepower makes it a close contest.
In the United States, the match will air live on Fox, with streaming available through fubo, Fox One, and the Fox Sports app or website. New users can try fubo free before subscribing.
