FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain vs Belgium Preview, Team News, Predicted Lineups & Prediction

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FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain vs Belgium Match Preview, Team News, Predicted Lineups & Prediction

The FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals deliver another blockbuster all-European showdown as Spain take on Belgium at SoFi Stadium in Southern California. Both nations have overcome difficult knockout tests to reach the last eight, but only one will secure a place in the semi-finals.

Match Preview

Spain have lived up to their status as one of the pre-tournament favourites with a series of composed and disciplined performances. After being surprisingly held to a draw by Cape Verde in the group stage, La Roja have responded impressively, remaining unbeaten and yet to concede a single goal in five matches.

Their biggest statement came in the Round of 16, where reigning European champions Spain defeated Portugal in a dramatic contest. Substitute Mikel Merino emerged as the hero, scoring a dramatic 90th-minute winner to eliminate Cristiano Ronaldo's side and send Spain into another World Cup quarter-final.

Manager Luis de la Fuente has built a balanced squad that combines experienced leaders with exciting young stars. Spain's defensive organisation has been exceptional throughout the tournament, while midfielders Pedri and Rodri continue to dictate the tempo of matches. Rising sensation Lamine Yamal remains one of the competition's most dangerous attacking threats despite still searching for his first major knockout goal.

Belgium have enjoyed an impressive resurgence after their disappointing group-stage exit at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Red Devils have battled their way into the last eight with resilience and determination, including a dramatic extra-time victory over Senegal in the Round of 32 before defeating the United States in Seattle to book their place in the quarter-finals.

Belgium's best World Cup finish remains their third-place achievement in Russia 2018, and they will be aiming to match or surpass that milestone this summer. Although they have shown plenty of fighting spirit, inconsistency has occasionally affected their performances during the tournament.

The two European nations have not met since an international friendly in 2016, which Spain won. With both teams boasting world-class talent, another closely contested encounter is expected.

Team News

Spain have no major injury concerns ahead of the quarter-final and are expected to retain the same starting lineup that defeated Portugal. Mikel Merino could once again provide a valuable option from the bench after scoring the decisive goal in the previous round.

Belgium are also expected to field a strong lineup, with Kevin De Bruyne continuing to orchestrate the midfield while Romelu Lukaku leads the attack. Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard will provide pace and creativity from wide areas as Belgium look to break down Spain's outstanding defence.

Predicted Lineups

Spain Predicted XI

Unai Simón; Dani Carvajal, Robin Le Normand, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri, Fabián Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Álvaro Morata, Nico Williams.

Belgium Predicted XI

Koen Casteels; Timothy Castagne, Wout Faes, Zeno Debast, Maxim De Cuyper; Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans; Jérémy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne, Leandro Trossard; Romelu Lukaku.

Key Players to Watch

Lamine Yamal (Spain): The teenage sensation has dazzled throughout the tournament with his pace, creativity and dribbling ability. His ability to unlock Belgium's defence could prove decisive.

Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium): Belgium's captain and creative mastermind remains their biggest match-winner. His passing range and leadership will be crucial if the Red Devils are to cause an upset.

Match Prediction

Belgium possess enough attacking quality to trouble any opponent, but Spain have arguably been the most complete team in the tournament. Their defensive record, midfield control and ability to produce decisive moments in tight games give them the edge heading into this quarter-final.

Belgium are expected to compete strongly, but Spain's organisation and attacking depth should eventually prove too much.

Prediction: Spain 2-1 Belgium