By Eddah Waithaka
Everything can wait! Spain and Belgium will meet in the second Quarterfinal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Los Angeles Stadium hosting Friday evening’s blockbuster showdown.
La Roja overcame a major hurdle in the previous round, edging past Iberian rivals Portugal, while the Red Devils ended the dreams of co-hosts USA. Now both European heavyweights head to the ‘City of Angels’ for a place in the semifinals.
Head-to-Head: Spain Hold the Edge
Spain and Belgium have played 23 previous matches, with La Roja claiming 12 wins compared to six for the Red Devils, while five games ended in draws. Spain have scored 50 goals in those encounters, Belgium 27.
The teams have met twice in World Cup history. In the 1986 quarterfinals, Belgium won 5-6 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, while a 1990 group stage clash saw Spain triumph 2-1.
Players to Watch
Spain – Mikel Oyarzabal
The Spanish forward has emerged as an unlikely star of the tournament. Oyarzabal was not considered among Spain’s most prominent attacking threats prior to the World Cup, but his return of four goals and one assist from five appearances has marked him out as one to watch in this quarterfinal.
Tournament stats: 5 appearances, 4 goals, 1 assist, 0 yellow/red cards
Belgium – Charles De Ketelaere
Romelu Lukaku is Belgium’s all-time top scorer, but De Ketelaere keeps him on the bench. The selfless playmaker rewarded his manager’s faith with two well-taken goals against the United States in the round of 16 – form he will look to continue against Spain.
Tournament stats: 4 appearances, 2 goals, 1 assist, 0 yellow/red cards
Key Stats
· 0 – Spain have yet to concede a single goal at the 2026 World Cup
· 10.5 – Belgium’s xG (expected goals) at the tournament, bettered only by Brazil and France
· 598 – Spain’s average accurate passes per match, second only to Argentina (629)
· 6 – Belgium’s average accurate crosses per match, bettered only by Canada (7.4) and Uruguay (7)
Tactical Battle
Luis de la Fuente’s Spain will impose a 4-3-3 built on control, high pressing and positional rotations, with Rodri anchoring the midfield and wide threats like Lamine Yamal stretching play. Their defensive solidity five straight clean sheets at the tournament allows aggressive territorial dominance.
Rudi Garcia’s Belgium offer more flexibility, alternating between 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-2-1, seeking vertical transitions through Leandro Trossard and Charles De Ketelaere.
The key battle pits Spain’s structured possession against Belgium’s transitional efficiency. If Spain break Belgium’s shape, they control the game; if Belgium exploit spaces in transition, they can punish Spain’s high line.
Broadcast Details
All Times CAT
Friday 10 July, 21:00: Quarterfinal 2 – Spain v Belgium – LIVE on SuperSport World Cup Central
