Spain vs Belgium quarterfinal match guide: Can the Red Devils spring a surprise vs Lo Roja?

Spain and Belgium are one win away from the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals as they meet at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday. Spain have won all four of their matches without conceding a goal, while Belgium recovered from an uneven group-stage campaign with victories over Senegal and co-hosts United States to reach the last eight.

In Short

• Spain and Belgium are one win away from the FIFA World Cup semi-finals
• Spain have not conceded any goals in 6 matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
• Belgium recovered from a shaky start to reach quarter-finals with a strong attack

Spain have looked every bit the title favourites at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but Belgium arrive in Los Angeles believing they have the firepower to end La Roja's unbeaten run and book a place in the semi-finals.

Luis de la Fuente's side have not conceded a goal in the tournament, producing a series of disciplined performances capped by a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Portugal in the Round of 16. Belgium, meanwhile, have gathered momentum after an inconsistent group stage, following up their dramatic comeback win over Senegal with a commanding 4-1 victory over co-hosts the United States.

With Spain's rock-solid defence set to collide with Belgium's free-scoring attack, Friday's quarter-final at SoFi Stadium promises to be one of the biggest tests yet for both sides.

"Whoever controls the midfield might win the game." That is Zee 5 expert Robin Singh's biggest takeaway heading into the contest, with the former India international believing the battle between Spain's possession game and Belgium's rapid transitions will shape the outcome.

BELGIUM HITTING THEIR STRIDE

Belgium appear to have found their rhythm at exactly the right time.

After topping Group G without completely convincing, Garcia's side produced a remarkable comeback to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in the Round of 32 before dismantling the United States 4-1 in the last 16.

Charles De Ketelaere starred against the Americans with a brace, while substitutes Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku added the finishing touches.

Lukaku may once again begin on the bench despite scoring in each of Belgium's last three World Cup matches. Only Cameroon's Roger Milla, who scored four substitute goals in 1990, has netted more off the bench at a single World Cup than Lukaku's three at this tournament.

Belgium's attacking numbers underline their improvement. They have converted 12.1 per cent of their shots, their second-best conversion rate at a World Cup since 1966, behind only the 15.2 per cent recorded during their run to the semi-finals in Russia in 2018.

Garcia's men are also averaging 21.4 shots per game, their second-highest figure at a World Cup, reflecting a side playing with confidence in the final third.

SPAIN'S DEFENSIVE WALL

If Belgium have rediscovered their attack, Spain have built their campaign on an extraordinary defensive record.

La Roja extended their run to six consecutive clean sheets with Monday's 1-0 victory over Portugal, the longest such streak in World Cup history.

Spain have now gone 10 hours and nine minutes without conceding a World Cup goal and are allowing just 0.30 expected goals against (xGA) per game, the lowest average recorded by any team across a single edition of the tournament.

While Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal have supplied the attacking flair, Spain's defensive organisation has been the foundation of their run to the last eight.

WHAT THEY SAID

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente believes Belgium will provide his toughest challenge of the tournament so far.

Having reached the quarter-finals without conceding a goal, Spain have grown stronger with every match, combining defensive solidity with the technical quality that has made them one of the favourites to lift the trophy.

"Tomorrow's game will be the hardest that we've faced to this point," de la Fuente told reporters in Los Angeles.

"Belgium is a very powerful team. These are players who are used to winning. It's going to be a challenging match."

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia is embracing the underdog tag but insists his side have every reason to believe they can upset the European champions.

"We know we are playing one of the favourites. Spain are probably the best at ball possession and they have been playing in a recognisable way for 15 or 20 years," Garcia said.

"But we have a great team. We are the second-highest scorers in the World Cup and we are facing the team with the highest expected goals. We think we can do it."

TEAM NEWS

De la Fuente is expected to stick with the side that defeated Portugal in the Round of 16.

Mikel Merino, whose late winner secured Spain's place in the quarter-finals, is again likely to be used as an impact substitute. Alex Baena is expected to keep his place ahead of Nico Williams, who is still working his way back to full match sharpness after injury.

Pedro Porro looks set to continue at right back ahead of Marcos Llorente, while goalkeeper Unai Simón will chase a sixth successive clean sheet.

Up front, Mikel Oyarzabal arrives in outstanding form, having contributed 24 goals and assists in his last 18 appearances for Spain.

Spain predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Simón; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal.

Belgium have been dealt a major blow with Amadou Onana ruled out after suffering an ACL injury in the Round of 16.

Garcia is expected to reshuffle his midfield, with Kevin De Bruyne operating in a more advanced role while Youri Tielemans partners either Nicolas Raskin or Hans Vanaken in central midfield.

De Ketelaere's double against the United States should earn him another start ahead of Lukaku, despite the striker's excellent impact off the bench.

Jeremy Doku could replace Dodi Lukebakio on the left flank, with Leandro Trossard switching to the right.

Belgium predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; Tielemans, Vanaken; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; De Ketelaere.

SPAIN VS. BELGIUM: TV AND STREAMING GUIDE

Kick-off: 12:30 AM IST (July 11)

Venue: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles

Live-streaming (India): ZEE5 app and website

TV telecast (India): DD Sports and Unite8 Sports

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