2026 World Cup: Spain and Belgium meet in the quarter-finals at SoFi Stadium

On July 10, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. GMT+1, Spain and Belgium will meet in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The clash brings together two nations that dominate their respective areas on the international stage, with both having secured their places in this decisive phase after solid campaigns so far.

Spain finished top of Group H with two wins and a draw before eliminating Austria 3-0 in the round of 32 and overcoming Portugal 1-0 in the round of 16. Belgium, meanwhile, also topped its group with two wins and a draw before producing an attacking masterclass in the round-of-16 clash against the United States, winning 4-1.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente is relying on a 4-2-3-1 formation, balancing possession control with defensive discipline, while Rudi Garcia’s Belgium uses a similar system that promotes attacking play built around talented individuals. This quarter-final represents a major turning point, as the outcome will determine a potential semi-finalist in this edition of the World Cup.

The stakes are considerable for two teams with complementary styles—Spain emphasizes possession and defensive solidity, having conceded just one goal in six matches, while Belgium relies on impressive attacking power, with 17 goals scored during the final tournament. This balance of strengths promises an intense and tactically rich match.

Spain in focus

Under Luis de la Fuente, Spain plays in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Unai Simón in goal, supported by a defense consisting of Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella. The midfield double pivot pairs Rodri with Fabián Ruiz, providing balance and control of the tempo. Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Alex Baena form the supporting attacking line behind center-forward Mikel Oyarzabal.

This setup emphasizes disciplined defensive organization, with experienced players such as Laporte providing stability. The attacking play is based on creativity and the ability to combine between the lines, particularly through Olmo and Baena. The introduction of young talents such as Yamal reflects the desire to inject dynamism into the team’s play.

Rodri, the captain and playmaker, embodies the regulation and discipline of Spain’s midfield. His ability to play out cleanly and dictate the game will be crucial against a Belgian team that is aggressive when winning the ball back. Oyarzabal, leading the line, will be the attacking reference point tasked with unsettling the opposing defense.

Belgium in focus

Rudi Garcia also sets up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Thibaut Courtois in goal. The defense is built around Timothy Castagne, Nathan Ngoy, Brandon Mechele and Maxim De Cuyper. The midfield pairing of Youri Tielemans and Nicolas Raskin is tasked with protecting the defense and launching attacks.

The attacking line consists of Leandro Trossard, Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere up front. This setup highlights De Bruyne’s creativity, with the Belgian playmaker serving as the team’s driving force and capable of supplying his teammates with incisive passes and an acute sense of positioning.

Although Romelu Lukaku is currently a substitute, Belgium has significant attacking depth. De Ketelaere through the middle and Doku on the wings provide pace and directness to exploit space. Youri Tielemans, a midfield pillar, combines stamina with technical quality—essential attributes in this high-intensity match.

Spain

Half-time 1-1 SoFi Stadium

Belgium

10/07/2026 20:00 · Quarterfinals

Quarterfinals schedule

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