Spain and Belgium are set to clash in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Los Angeles Stadium in California on Friday at noon local time (19:00 GMT). The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two European powerhouses.
Belgium advanced after a dominant 4-1 victory over co-hosts USA, a match overshadowed by controversy over Folarin Balogun's red card. The Belgians topped Group G with five points, beating New Zealand and drawing with Iran and Egypt.
Spain, meanwhile, defeated Portugal 1-0 to extend their record of six consecutive World Cup clean sheets — an unprecedented feat. They topped Group H with seven points, defeating Saudi Arabia and Uruguay and drawing with Cape Verde.
Spain are unbeaten in 35 matches and are considered favorites, having won the 2010 World Cup and the 2024 European Championship. Belgium, by contrast, have struggled in recent tournaments, exiting in the group stage in 2022 and the round of 16 at Euro 2024.
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois expressed confidence: "Everyone in our team realizes it's possible. We have a strong squad that Spain will have to take into account. Eliminating the European champions would be a huge upset."
The match could be the last chance for Belgium's "golden generation," including Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku. Lukaku is Belgium's top scorer with three goals, while Leandro Trossard has contributed two goals and two assists.
Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has struggled for form, scoring just once in five games. Mikel Oyarzabal leads Spain with four goals. Midfielder Dani Olmo defended Yamal, saying his presence creates space for others.
According to the Opta supercomputer, Spain have a 59.3% chance of winning in regulation time, Belgium 18.3%, and a 22.4% probability of extra time.
The winner will face France in the semifinals in Dallas, Texas. France defeated Morocco 2-0 to reach the last four.
Spain and Belgium have met twice at the World Cup: Belgium won on penalties in 1986, and Spain won 2-1 in 1990.
Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana is out for the tournament with a torn ACL. Spain have no injury concerns.
Source: www.aljazeera.com