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

Spain and Belgium meet in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final on Friday, with a place in the last four at stake. Spain arrive as one of the tournament's standout performers after yet another commanding display, while Belgium have rediscovered their best form under Rudi Garcia and are dreaming of another deep World Cup run.

Match Preview

Nearly 16 years after lifting their first FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Spain are now just three victories away from another shot at football's biggest prize.

Luis de la Fuente's side have looked like genuine title contenders throughout the tournament. After comfortably topping Group H, La Roja eased past Austria before edging rivals Portugal in a thrilling Round of 16 clash. Mikel Merino's late winner sealed a memorable victory over the UEFA Nations League holders and booked Spain's place in another World Cup quarter-final.

Spain's biggest strength has been their defensive solidity. They remain the only team yet to concede a goal at the 2026 World Cup and have now recorded six consecutive World Cup clean sheets, a remarkable streak spanning more than 10 hours of football.

The reigning European champions have also won all six knockout matches under De la Fuente, highlighting their composure in high-pressure situations. With experienced leaders and exciting young talents working together seamlessly, Spain are widely regarded as one of the favourites to lift the trophy.

History also favours La Roja. Spain have won nine of their last 11 meetings against Belgium, although the nations have not met competitively for almost a decade. Their previous two World Cup meetings have produced one victory each, adding further intrigue to Friday's encounter.

Belgium, meanwhile, have quietly emerged as one of the tournament's biggest success stories.

After topping Group G despite inconsistent displays, the Red Devils survived a dramatic 3-2 victory over Senegal before producing arguably their best performance of the tournament with an emphatic 4-1 win over the United States.

Rudi Garcia made the bold decision to leave Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Jeremy Doku on the bench, but the gamble paid off spectacularly. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice, Hans Vanaken added another, and substitute Lukaku found the net for a third consecutive match.

The result silenced many critics and extended Belgium's unbeaten run to 18 matches across all competitions. Following their disappointing group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup, few expected such a rapid revival, but Garcia has successfully blended experienced stars with emerging talents.

With Belgium averaging more than 2.5 goals per game at the tournament, they possess enough attacking quality to trouble even Spain's outstanding defence.

Team News

Spain are expected to stick with the core of the side that has carried them this far.

The main selection dilemma revolves around midfield, where Marcos Llorente, Fabian Ruiz and Mikel Merino are all pushing for a starting place after Merino's match-winning goal against Portugal.

Lamine Yamal is expected to continue on the right wing, while Nico Williams is likely to begin on the bench as he continues his recovery from an adductor injury.

Up front, Mikel Oyarzabal remains Spain's preferred striker after an excellent international run that has seen him register 23 goal contributions in his last 17 starts.

Belgium are unlikely to make wholesale changes after their dominant victory over the USA.

Charles De Ketelaere should continue as the central attacking option, with Romelu Lukaku expected to provide impact from the bench once again despite scoring in three consecutive substitute appearances.

Kevin De Bruyne could return to the starting lineup after being rested against the Americans, while Hans Vanaken and Nicolas Raskin are contenders to replace the injured Amadou Onana, who suffered a serious ACL injury.

Zeno Debast remains unavailable, meaning Belgium's defensive unit is expected to remain unchanged.

Key Players to Watch

Lamine Yamal (Spain): The teenage sensation continues to shine on the biggest stage with his creativity, pace and ability to produce decisive moments.

Rodri (Spain): The midfield general dictates Spain's tempo and provides the balance that makes them so difficult to break down.

Charles De Ketelaere (Belgium): Fresh from his brace against the USA, the versatile forward is enjoying the best tournament of his international career.

Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium): If restored to the starting XI, Belgium's captain could be the player capable of unlocking Spain's formidable defence.

Head-to-Head

• Spain have won 9 of the last 11 meetings against Belgium.

• The teams have met twice previously at the FIFA World Cup, with one victory each.

• Belgium have progressed from two of their previous three World Cup quarter-finals.

Prediction

Spain have looked like the tournament's most complete side. Their defensive record is exceptional, while Rodri, Pedri and Yamal continue to control matches against elite opposition.

Belgium possess enough attacking talent to make life difficult, especially if De Bruyne returns to the starting lineup, but breaking down Spain's disciplined defence will be a huge challenge.

The Red Devils are enjoying a superb unbeaten run, yet Spain's consistency, defensive resilience and experience in knockout football could prove decisive.

Prediction: Spain 2-1 Belgium

Prediction: France 2-1 Morocco