​Competition/Round: 2026 World Cup, Quarter-Finals
Spain Outs & Doubts: Yeremi Pino, Nico Williams, Victor Muñoz (doubt)
Belgium Outs & Doubts: Zeno Debast, Amadou Onana (out)
Date/Time: Friday, July 10, 2026, 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), 9pm CET (Barcelona), 8pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 12:30am IST (India, Saturday)
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, United States
Referee: Michael Oliver (ENG)
How to watch on TV: FOX (USA), BBC One (UK), United8 Sports 1 (India), SuperSport (Nigeria), TVE La 1 (Spain), others
How to watch online: FuboTV (USA), BBC iPlayer (UK), ZEE5 (India), DAZN (Spain), others
Following a hard-fought victory over Iberian rivals Portugal on Monday, Spain return to action for a huge World Cup quarter-final clash against Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday afternoon. La Roja arrive aiming to reach the semi-finals and face Kylian Mbappé’s France in what could be one of the most epic Final Four matches in World Cup history, but first they must get past a Belgium side that somehow navigated the knockout stage despite an incredibly inconsistent tournament.
After two draws in the group against Iran and Egypt, which required a big win in the finale to advance to the knockouts, the Belgians appeared virtually eliminated against Senegal before a remarkable late comeback—completed by a 125th-minute winner in extra time—secured their place in the next round. Belgium then faced the United States, enduring controversy surrounding the Round of 16 match, yet they displayed poise and mental strength to win, dominate the hosts, and move on to the quarter-finals.
The interesting thread in Belgium’s run is Kevin De Bruyne. His absence on the scoresheet in the decisive moments of the comeback against Senegal and the dominant win over the USA has coincided with a tighter, more compact Belgian performance. De Bruyne’s form has been disappointing so far, and his fitness after a grueling club season has been in question. It’s difficult to imagine De Bruyne not being involved against Spain, which makes it hard to predict which Belgium will show up in Los Angeles. If the version that dismantled the United States appears, Spain will face a strenuous test; if the side that labored with De Bruyne on the pitch resurfaces, the match could tilt more favorably toward La Roja.
This international clash promises drama, with Spain entering as the favorites in a blockbuster tie as the world awaits a potential showdown with France in the semi-finals. Belgium, though, are too talented to overlook, and the encounter in Hollywood should deliver a memorable spectacle. Let’s dance. (Be careful, Lamine.)
Starting lineups
Spain (4-2-3-1): Simón; Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal
Belgium (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; Vanaken, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; De Ketelaere
Note: Belgium have been optimizing for SEO with this matchup. This preview aims to provide a thorough, keyword-rich overview suitable for fans and search engines alike, and is crafted to reflect the current state of play and likely tactical considerations ahead of kick-off.