Spain vs Belgium | FIFA World Cup 2026 — Quarter-finals | Preview and Prediction
Potential title contenders Spain will clash with fellow European side Belgium in their quarter-final test on July 11 at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California.
For the game, here we present our preview and prediction.
FIFA WC26 | QFs: ESP vs BEL | 12:30 IST, July 11, 2026
While Spain had faltered in the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup, losing to Morocco on penalties, Belgium didn’t even manage to get past the group stage. Compared to that, both teams have done well enough to reach the quarter-finals this time around. However, Spain have not impressed as expected and need to start hitting their stride now if they want to pose a serious threat and go all the way. Although they are still unbeaten, barring their 3–0 win against Austria in the round of 32, they haven’t produced a statement win against a tough side. They even drew their opening game against Cabo Verde.
As for Belgium, they had a tricky group stage and remained unbeaten, but had they not secured a big win in their last group game against New Zealand, they could have suffered the same fate as the last World Cup. Their golden generation players are now past their prime, and despite having a decent attacking line on paper, they don’t have the squad to compete with the heavyweights and challenge for the title.
La Roja came through the round of 16 after a challenging encounter against Portugal, which was a tense and scrappy affair, with their opponents looking to sit back and defend. Neither side was able to create clear-cut chances, and the game was slowly edging towards a goalless draw before midfielder Mikel Merino came up clutch late in stoppage time to earn Spain a hard-earned win. Predicted to be a blockbuster encounter, this match fizzled out as neither side chose to be brave, attack from the front, and take the game to the opposition.
Spain managed a cumulative xG of 1.69, compared to a dismal 0.63 put up by Portugal. Spain managed just three big chances and six shots on target in this match, which was arguably one of the most boring games to watch at this World Cup, marking a stark contrast to the exciting, nerve-wracking, edge-of-the-seat encounters that have regaled everyone so far.
De Rode Duivels, meanwhile, played co-hosts USA in the round of 16 amid the Folarin Balogun saga. A game that should have been hyped up as the co-hosts competing against European giants became all about Balogun’s red card, which was revoked after alleged White House intervention. While it was a clear foul that had led to an understandable sending-off, the decision to walk it back seemed utterly bizarre and rather unfair to their opponents, especially given the circumstances in which it came about.
Amid the media noise, Belgium went out, soaked up the pressure early on, and then dismantled the American defence, winning 4–1. Charles De Ketelaere scored a brace, with Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku also getting on the scoresheet. Malik Tillman was the lone scorer for the Americans.
From an injury perspective, Spain fortunately have a full squad at their disposal, while Belgium will miss Amadou Onana, who has unfortunately suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
Both teams have some incredible, match-winning players in their ranks. While Lamine Yamal hasn’t been consistent for Spain, Mikel Oyarzabal, Pedri, and Marc Cucurella have stepped up for them. For Belgium, Leandro Trossard and Jérémy Doku have provided the attacking threat.
If we compare the two squads on paper, Spain are definitely the stronger team, but Belgium have shown great powers of recovery at this tournament, as was the case against Senegal, and cannot be underestimated.
We believe Spain hold an edge in this encounter. Even though this could be another cagey affair, expect Luis de la Fuente’s men to come out on top and make it to the semi-finals.
Score Prediction: Spain 2–1 Belgium
Venue: Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, California, USA
