Spain vs Belgium: How to watch FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals tie, head-to-head, match predictions and more

Spain’s remarkable defence, which has produced a record six consecutive World Cup clean sheets, faces its sternest test yet against a free-scoring Belgium side in this high-stakes FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final game. La Roja have been the tournament’s most organised side so far,topping their group before beating Austria 3-0 and edging Portugal 1-0 with a stoppage-time Mikel Merino winner. Belgium, meanwhile, arrive with serious momentum after a dramatic 3-2 extra-time win over Senegal and a statement 4-1 thrashing of co-hosts USA. The winner books a semi-final place; the loser goes home.

Match details

Spain and Belgium head-to-head details

Spain hold a clear historical edge over Belgium. Their World Cup meetings came in the 1986 quarter-finals (1-1, Belgium won 5-4 on penalties) and the 1990 group stage (Spain 2-1 winners thanks to goals from Michel and Alberto Gorriz). Spain have won their last five meetings by an aggregate score of 13-1, with the most recent a 2-0 friendly victory in Brussels in September 2016 (both goals by David Silva).

Spain vs Belgium team news

Spain

Luis de la Fuente’s side arrive with total belief after remaining unbeaten and keeping a historic six successive clean sheets (more than 10 hours without conceding). Unai Simon has been virtually untroubled, while the back four of Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella has been outstanding. Mikel Oyarzabal leads the scoring charts for Spain, supported by the creativity of Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Alex Baena. Midfield anchors Rodri and Pedri control tempo. No major injury concerns.

Belgium

Rudi Garcia’s Red Devils have hit form at the perfect time, scoring freely (including four against the USA) and stretching an 18-match unbeaten run. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice against the Americans, while substitutes Romelu Lukaku and Hans Vanaken also found the net. Kevin De Bruyne is expected to return after being carefully managed. The major blow is midfielder Amadou Onana, ruled out for the rest of the tournament (and several months) after tearing his ACL against the USA. Zeno Debast is a doubt. Thibaut Courtois remains a formidable last line of defence.

Spain vs Belgium prediction

Spain enter as clear favourites on paper thanks to their unmatched defensive organisation, superior possession game and the individual quality of Yamal, Oyarzabal, Rodri and Pedri. Belgium’s recent attacking form and Courtois in goal make them dangerous, especially on the counter and from set-pieces, but Onana’s absence leaves them vulnerable in midfield. Expect Spain to dominate the ball and territory while Belgium look to hit transitions through De Ketelaere, Trossard and De Bruyne. A tight, high-quality contest is likely, with Spain’s control and depth ultimately proving decisive.

Predicted score: Spain 2-1 Belgium

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Predicted lineups

Spain expected starting lineup

Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal

Belgium expected starting lineup

Thibaut Courtois; Timothy Castagne, Nathan Ngoy, Brandon Mechele, Maxim De Cuyper; Hans Vanaken, Nicolas Raskin; Leandro Trossard, Youri Tielemans, Dodi Lukebakio; Charles De Ketelaere