​Spain and Belgium square off in Los Angeles for the chance to meet France in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals. Alejandro Grimaldo, who recently joined Atletico Madrid after a productive three-year spell with Bayer Leverkusen, and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Arthur Theate once again start among the substitutes for their respective sides. Meanwhile, former Bundesliga stars Dani Olmo and Kevin De Bruyne are included in their national teams’ starting XIs.
Spain enter the match on a 35-game unbeaten streak and have yet to concede a goal in the tournament, but they have never advanced to the World Cup semi-finals aside from their celebrated 2010 run. Belgium holds a historical edge in their meetings with Spain, having defeated them on penalties at the semi-final stage four decades ago.
Rudi Garcia’s team produced their most convincing performance of the tournament in Monday’s comprehensive victory over the United States, while Spain relied on a late strike from former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mikel Merino to overcome Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.
Starting lineups:
Spain: Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri ©, Ruiz; Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Oyarzabal.
Belgium: Courtois; Castagne, Mechele, Ngoy, de Cuyper; Raskin, Tielemans ©; Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard; De Ketelaere.
This clash in the United States’ market will be watched closely for how Spain’s disciplined build-up and high-pressing system cope with Belgium’s dynamic attack and clinical finishing. Spain’s form has elevated expectations around their ability to translate a lengthy unbeaten streak into a deep World Cup run, while Belgium, led by a blend of veteran presence and fresh talent, are keen to assert themselves as bona fide contenders. The tactical chess match between the disciplined unit captained by Rodri and the creative engine spearheaded by De Bruyne will be a key narrative, with both teams seeking to secure a pathway to a potential showdown against France in the semi-finals.