​Charles De Ketelaere and Napoli’s Kevin De Bruyne start for Belgium against Spain in the World Cup quarter-final, with Romelu Lukaku only fit enough to sit on the bench. The match kicks off in Los Angeles at 20:00 UK time (21:00 CEST). The winners will advance to face tournament favorites France in the semi-finals.
Belgium feature several Serie A players who were pivotal in the 4-1 victory over co-hosts the United States in their previous game. De Ketelaere impressed as a false nine, scoring twice, while Lukaku added a goal off the bench as he continues to work his way back to full sharpness after missing most of Napoli’s season due to injury. The Atalanta forward this time starts in attack once again, with Lukaku available to come on later in the game. Meanwhile, De Bruyne has been restored to the starting XI to bring his creativity and drive to the side.
Amadou Onana’s competition is over, as he has torn his cruciate ligament and will be sidelined for several months, a blow for Belgium’s midfield. In the wake of that injury, De Ketelaere has continued to play an important role and will be relied upon to lead the line in this knockout clash.
Spain arrive as Belgium’s longstanding nemesis in World Cup knockout play, having not lost to Belgium since the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals, a record that remains intact despite Belgium’ s recent improvements. Spain edged past Portugal with a stoppage-time goal from Mikel Merino in the Round of 16 and will be looking to extend their unbeaten run against Belgium.
Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente has opted to keep almost the same starting XI, including center-forward Mikel Oyarzabal, who has netted four goals in this tournament. Lamine Yamal has yet to fully deliver on the high expectations surrounding him at the World Cup, but he lines up with Dani Olmo and Alex Baena in support. Nico Williams returns to the squad on the bench after a recent spell of injuries, while the preference is for Fabian Ruiz over Pedri in the starting lineup.
Spain: Unai Simón; Porro, Cubas, Laporte, Cucurella; Fabian Ruiz, Rodri, Olmo; Yamal, Oyarzabal, Baena. Belgium: Courtois; Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; De Bruyne, Raskin; Doku, Tielemans, Trossard; De Ketelaere.
This match promises a tactical battle between two highly capable sides, with Belgium aiming to capitalize on De Ketelaere’s movement and De Bruyne’s vision, while Spain will look to exploit the pace and creativity of their wingers and the industrious pressing of their midfield. The outcome could hinge on whether Belgium can maintain their composure and efficiency in front of goal, given De Ketelaere’s growing impact and Lukaku’s potential impact off the bench as a late-game option.