​The Sporting News originally ran a piece explaining why Pedri isn’t playing today for Spain’s World Cup quarterfinal clash against Belgium. It notes that The Sporting News is recognized as a preferred source, and invites readers to click here to add it to their list of preferred sources. Pedri has emerged as a rising star in the midfield for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team. Yet Friday’s quarterfinal tilt against Belgium sees him starting on the bench, with the starting XI featuring Fabian Ruiz in his place. Pedri has not delivered his best form in the tournament, though he has usually been a fixture in the lineup; today, Spain has opted to go in a different direction.
If the move pays off, it could be seen as a bold, strategic decision that offers a potential late-game boost or a fresh dynamic against Belgium. If it backfires, the decision to leave Pedri out could become a major talking point as the competition advances. The prevailing sense is that Pedri’s absence from the first XI is likely tied to form rather than injury, and preparations suggest he’ll be available off the bench if needed.
“The big call by Luis de la Fuente to leave Pedri out and start Fabian tonight,” noted The Athletic’s Dermot Corrigan after the lineup was revealed, “is true that Pedri hasn’t been at his best in this tournament, and Fabian performed well off the bench against Portugal.” The choice mirrors Belgium’s own controversial call in the Round of 16 against the United States, when both Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku began on the bench but came on later; Friday’s match will see both players starting with presumably fresher legs.
The best-case scenario for Spain is to deliver a solid performance, using Pedri as a substitute to inject energy and confidence as they head toward a potential World Cup semifinal. A strong display off the bench could help Pedri regain his rhythm and momentum, ensuring he heads into the next round with renewed confidence and a sense of purpose.