2026 FIFA World Cup Quarterfinals Preview: Spain vs. Belgium

The first two rounds of the World Cup knockout stage have concluded, leaving only the tournament’s top echelon of teams with World Cup glory still left to play for. After France defeated Morocco, the winner of the upcoming matchup between Spain and Belgium on July 10 will face France in the semifinals. Let’s take a look at both teams and preview their upcoming matchup.

Spain:

Spain have played sound and consistent soccer throughout the tournament. They haven’t blown teams out with huge scorelines, but they have steadily improved from game to game and are the only nation left in the tournament yet to concede a goal, reaching the quarterfinals with a perfect defensive record.

After drawing against Cape Verde in their World Cup opener, Spain have been nearly perfect, winning their next two group stage matches to secure first place in Group H. They continued their strong form in the knockout stage, dismantling Austria 3-0 before defeating Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16 thanks to a 91st-minute stoppage-time winner from Mikel Merino.

Spain’s controlled possession, led by their talented midfield duo of Rodri and Pedri, has allowed them to break teams down and will present a big challenge for Belgium, who will be aiming to become the first team to score against them.

Belgium:

Belgium are entering this game with plenty of momentum after taking down one of the tournament hosts, the USA, in a dominant 4-1 victory. Many fans and analysts counted Belgium out, but they produced their best performance of the tournament and will now have plenty of confidence that they can do the same against Spain.

Belgium had a rocky road to the quarterfinals, only securing first place in Group G on the final matchday and coming back from the brink of elimination after trailing Senegal 2-0 before scoring three unanswered goals to advance to the Round of 16. Despite some of their struggles, their performance against the USA was easily their best team performance of the tournament. They are still led by Belgian legends such as Romelu Lukaku (three goals), Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois.

Spain are the favorites to advance, largely because of their consistent run of performances, but anything could happen if Belgium play the way they did against the USA. The match will be played in Los Angeles, and the winner will face France in the semifinals.