Spain Takes On Belgium in World Cup 2026 Quarter-Final Clash

After edging out Portugal in a tough match, Spain is set to battle Belgium on Friday at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The winner will move forward to meet France and Kylian Mbappé in what could be an unforgettable World Cup semi-final.

Belgium has had an up-and-down tournament. Two draws against Iran and Egypt forced them to win big in their last group match just to advance. Their quarter-final spot was sealed dramatically with a comeback against Senegal, capped by a late goal in extra time. Then, they overcame the United States amid controversy, showing resilience and mental toughness.

One key storyline revolves around Kevin De Bruyne. The star midfielder has struggled this tournament after an injury-plagued club season. Surprisingly, Belgium has looked sharper without him, especially during their impressive wins. Still, it’s nearly certain he’ll play against Spain, leaving questions about which version of Belgium will appear.

What to Expect

If Belgium brings the same energy they showed against the US, Spain will face a serious test. But if De Bruyne’s fitness hampers their rhythm, La Roja might have an easier path. Spain enters as favorites but cannot underestimate a talented Belgian squad capable of surprises.

Here are the projected lineups:

Prediction

Belgium's performance varies greatly depending on De Bruyne’s involvement, yet it’s likely he will play. We think Spain will edge past Belgium with a close 2-1 victory. This match promises excitement in Hollywood, with two strong European sides fighting to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

Match Details:

• Date/Time: Friday, July 10, 2026, 3pm ET / 12pm PT
• Venue: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, USA
• Referee: Michael Oliver (ENG)
• TV Broadcast: FOX (USA), BBC One (UK), TVE La 1 (Spain), and others
• Online Streaming: FuboTV (USA), BBC iPlayer (UK), DAZN (Spain), ZEE5 (India), among others