{"id":1409,"date":"2026-07-07T14:39:15","date_gmt":"2026-07-07T14:39:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/todayspredict.com\/blog\/?p=1409"},"modified":"2026-07-07T14:39:15","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T14:39:15","slug":"spain-vs-belgium-prediction-world-cup-2026-quarterfinal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/todayspredict.com\/blog\/2026\/07\/07\/spain-vs-belgium-prediction-world-cup-2026-quarterfinal\/","title":{"rendered":"Spain vs Belgium Prediction: World Cup 2026 Quarterfinal"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.375rem] font-bold\">Spain vs Belgium: Match Preview<\/h2>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"><strong>FIFA World Cup 2026 \u00b7 Quarterfinal<\/strong><br \/>\nLos Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium), Inglewood, CA<br \/>\nFriday, 10 July \u00b7 12:00 PT \/ 15:00 ET (21:00 BST)<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\">Spain vs Belgium \u2014 a first-ever World Cup knockout clash between the two nations, and a meeting of the tournament&#8217;s most watertight defence against a Belgium side that just dismantled the co-hosts with clinical authority.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\">Intro<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\">Spain have not conceded a single goal through five matches at this World Cup. Not against Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Austria, or Portugal. The last of those was the Iberian derby of the tournament, settled in the 91st minute when substitute Mikel Merino slotted home a Ferran Torres through-ball to send Cristiano Ronaldo into retirement and Spain into Los Angeles. Belgium, meanwhile, produced their most complete performance of the tournament against the United States \u2014 Charles De Ketelaere scored twice before half-time, Romelu Lukaku rounded off a 4-1 rout, and a side that looked brittle and uncertain in the group stage suddenly looked like one of the most dangerous attacks remaining in the draw. Something has to give in the City of Angels.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\">What&#8217;s at Stake<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"><strong>Spain<\/strong><br \/>\nSpain are unbeaten across all five World Cup games, with wins over Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Austria and Portugal, and a draw with Cape Verde. A semifinal in Arlington would be their deepest run since they lifted the trophy in 2010 \u2014 and the first time this generation of Yamal, Pedri, and Rodri would reach the last four.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"><strong>Belgium<\/strong><br \/>\nBelgium will try to do what Portugal could not \u2014 solve a Spain defense that has been the story of the tournament \u2014 using Kevin De Bruyne&#8217;s passing range and Romelu Lukaku&#8217;s physical presence up top to pull that back line out of shape and create room for J\u00e9r\u00e9my Doku on the counter. A win would be Belgium&#8217;s first-ever World Cup quarterfinal victory since their legendary 1986 run to the final.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"><strong>The Belgium Question<\/strong><br \/>\nBelgium have been nowhere near their best at this tournament so far, but are a squad filled with gamechangers in attacking areas who can decide such knockout clashes on their own. The 4-1 demolition of the USA was the first sign the handbrake has come fully off \u2014 the question is whether it was a one-off peak or a sign of things to come.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\">The Tactical Battlefield<\/h3>\n<h4 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\">\ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8 Spain \u2014 Formation: 4-3-3<\/h4>\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>Style:<\/strong> Patient, possession-dominant, built to absorb and then exploit \u2014 the late winner against Portugal is the perfect metaphor for how they operate<\/li>\n<li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>Main Threat:<\/strong> Lamine Yamal getting healthier and more dangerous with every game; Oyarzabal&#8217;s clinical finishing inside the box; Merino as a super-sub threat that has now delivered twice off the bench in this tournament<\/li>\n<li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>Vulnerability:<\/strong> Spain had the better of Portugal, though not by a wide margin. Portugal&#8217;s aggressive, man-oriented defensive approach gave them a foothold throughout. A Belgium side willing to be similarly physical and compact could frustrate La Roja for long periods<\/li>\n<li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>Key Duel:<\/strong> Rodri and Zubimendi vs Tielemans and Onana \u2014 Spain&#8217;s double pivot against Belgium&#8217;s midfield engine is the tactical battle that determines which team controls the match<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\">\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddea Belgium \u2014 Formation: 4-2-3-1<\/h4>\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>Style:<\/strong> Direct and explosive when at their best \u2014 built around De Bruyne&#8217;s passing range, Doku&#8217;s pace, and Lukaku&#8217;s physicality in the box<\/li>\n<li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>Main Threat:<\/strong> Charles De Ketelaere&#8217;s off-ball movement \u2014 he scored twice against the USA from positions neither marked by the American backline. Against a Spain defence that defends with shape rather than man-marking, he could find similar pockets<\/li>\n<li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>Vulnerability:<\/strong> This will be the first game between the two nations since a friendly back in 2016 that Spain won 2-0. Spain&#8217;s high defensive line and pressing intensity will test Belgium&#8217;s midfield build-up in ways the USA never could<\/li>\n<li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>Key Duel:<\/strong> Lamine Yamal vs Maxim De Cuyper \u2014 Belgium&#8217;s left-back faces Spain&#8217;s most dangerous individual, and how quickly De Cuyper recovers from the wide overlapping runs he made against the USA will define how much space Yamal finds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\">Five Players to Watch<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"><strong>\ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8 Lamine Yamal<\/strong> \u2014 <em>Spain&#8217;s teenage talisman, growing sharper with every game<\/em><br \/>\nNico Williams turned into one of Spain&#8217;s main absences in the starting lineup to face Portugal in the Round of 16. With Williams managing his fitness, Yamal carries an even larger creative burden on Spain&#8217;s right side \u2014 and facing a Belgium left-back who pushed forward repeatedly against the USA, the diagonal space behind De Cuyper is exactly where Yamal thrives.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"><strong>\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddea Kevin De Bruyne<\/strong> \u2014 <em>Benched against USA, expected to start<\/em><br \/>\nBelgium will try to use De Bruyne&#8217;s passing range to pull Spain&#8217;s back line out of shape and create room for Doku on the counter. When Garcia rested him against the USA and brought him on from the bench, the game&#8217;s tempo changed immediately. He will almost certainly start in Los Angeles and represents Belgium&#8217;s biggest single creative threat.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"><strong>\ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8 Mikel Oyarzabal<\/strong> \u2014 <em>Three goals, Spain&#8217;s most reliable finisher<\/em><br \/>\nHas scored in every knockout game Spain have played. His intelligent movement in the box \u2014 arriving late to finishing positions \u2014 is the most reliable individual scoring angle on the Spain side.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"><strong>\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddea Charles De Ketelaere<\/strong> \u2014 <em>Tournament&#8217;s most unexpected breakout performer<\/em><br \/>\nDe Ketelaere scored twice against the USA and Belgium looked dominant throughout. If Spain&#8217;s midfield doesn&#8217;t track his late runs, the Belgian will find spaces that Portugal&#8217;s compact shape never allowed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"><strong>\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddea Romelu Lukaku<\/strong> \u2014 <em>Sealed the 4-1 win vs USA with a clinical finish in the corner<\/em><br \/>\nAfter pressuring Chris Richards into a mistake with Vanaken&#8217;s support, Belgium&#8217;s all-time leading goalscorer placed his shot into the far corner to secure the Red Devils&#8217; quarterfinal place. Spain&#8217;s centre-backs Aymeric Laporte and Le Normand have not faced a physical striker of Lukaku&#8217;s quality at this tournament \u2014 Friday will be their sternest test.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\">Recent Form (Last 5 Matches)<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"><strong>\ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8 Spain<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"overflow-x-auto w-full px-2 mb-6\">\n<table class=\"min-w-full border-collapse text-sm leading-[1.7] whitespace-normal\">\n<thead class=\"text-left\">\n<tr>\n<th class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.6)] py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\" scope=\"col\">Opponent<\/th>\n<th class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.6)] py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\" scope=\"col\">Score<\/th>\n<th class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.6)] py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\" scope=\"col\">Result<\/th>\n<th class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.6)] py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\" scope=\"col\">Competition<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">Portugal<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">1\u20130<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">W<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">WC R16<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">Austria<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">3\u20130<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">W<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">WC R32<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">Uruguay<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">1\u20130<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">W<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">WC Group<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">Saudi Arabia<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">4\u20130<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">W<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">WC Group<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">Cape Verde<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">0\u20130<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">D<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">WC Group<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"><strong>\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddea Belgium<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"overflow-x-auto w-full px-2 mb-6\">\n<table class=\"min-w-full border-collapse text-sm leading-[1.7] whitespace-normal\">\n<thead class=\"text-left\">\n<tr>\n<th class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.6)] py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\" scope=\"col\">Opponent<\/th>\n<th class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.6)] py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\" scope=\"col\">Score<\/th>\n<th class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.6)] py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\" scope=\"col\">Result<\/th>\n<th class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.6)] py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\" scope=\"col\">Competition<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">USA<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">4\u20131<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">W<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">WC R16<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">Senegal<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">3\u20132 AET<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">W<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">WC R32<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">New Zealand<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">5\u20131<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">W<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">WC Group<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">Egypt<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">1\u20131<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">D<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">WC Group<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">Iran<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">0\u20130<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">D<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">WC Group<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\">Our Call<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"><strong>Spain 2 \u2013 1 Belgium<\/strong><br \/>\nOdds: Spain -145 to -165 \u00b7 Draw +290 \u00b7 Belgium +380 to +420<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\">Spain&#8217;s defensive record is the tournament&#8217;s defining statistic \u2014 six clean sheets, zero goals conceded \u2014 and it is difficult to argue against a team built this solidly against an attack that was erratic for much of the group stage. Belgium&#8217;s 4-1 win over the USA is a genuine warning, but the USA&#8217;s defence bears no comparison to Spain&#8217;s. La Roja should edge it, though Lukaku or De Bruyne will likely find the net at some stage.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\">Betting Tips<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"><strong>1. Spain to Win<\/strong><br \/>\nThe anchor bet of the quarterfinal round. Spain&#8217;s clean-sheet record is not luck \u2014 it is the product of one of the most tactically disciplined defensive systems in the tournament, led by Rodri and backed by a goalkeeper in Unai Sim\u00f3n who has been faultless throughout.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"><strong>2. Spain to Win &amp; <a href=\"https:\/\/todayspredict.com\/both-team-to-score-gg-btts\">Both Teams to Score<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\nThe combination that captures the most likely outcome without discounting Belgium&#8217;s genuine attacking threat through Lukaku and De Bruyne. A narrow Spain win with a Belgium consolation is a very credible scoreline narrative.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"><strong>3. Lamine Yamal to Score or Assist<\/strong><br \/>\nSpain&#8217;s most dangerous creative outlet, facing a Belgium left-back who spent much of the USA game bombing forward. The space behind De Cuyper will be Yamal&#8217;s playground if he drifts towards that channel.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"><strong>4. Romelu Lukaku to Score Anytime<\/strong><br \/>\nBelgium&#8217;s all-time leading scorer against a Spain defence that has not yet faced a striker of his physical profile. The standout value pick for an individual Belgian scoring market at these odds.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"><strong>5. <a href=\"https:\/\/todayspredict.com\/over-2-5-goals-predictions\">Over 2.5 Goals<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\nBelgium&#8217;s 4-1 win over the USA was a sudden reminder of how explosive this attack can be when it clicks. Against a Spain side that has won all five of its matches, this is the pick for those who suspect the clean-sheet run has to end somewhere.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"><strong>Build a Bet Suggestion:<\/strong> Spain to Win &amp; Both Teams to Score &amp; Yamal to Score or Assist \u2014 a three-leg combination that backs Spain&#8217;s structural superiority, Belgium&#8217;s ability to find the net through Lukaku regardless, and Spain&#8217;s most dangerous creative force in a fixture that suits his style.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"><em>Odds based on available sportsbook lines as of July 7, 2026. Always check the latest prices with your bookmaker before placing a bet, and gamble responsibly.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\">Stats Comparison<\/h3>\n<div class=\"overflow-x-auto w-full px-2 mb-6\">\n<table class=\"min-w-full border-collapse text-sm leading-[1.7] whitespace-normal\">\n<thead class=\"text-left\">\n<tr>\n<th class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.6)] py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\" scope=\"col\">Stat<\/th>\n<th class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.6)] py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\" scope=\"col\">\ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8 Spain<\/th>\n<th class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.6)] py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\" scope=\"col\">\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddea Belgium<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">Tournament Record<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">W5 D1<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">W3 D2 W1 AET<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">Goals Scored<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">9<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">13<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">Goals Conceded<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">0<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">Clean Sheets<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">6<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">Top Scorer<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">Oyarzabal (3)<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">De Ketelaere (2) \/ Lukaku (2)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\">Predicted Line-ups (4-3-3 \/ 4-2-3-1)<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"><em>Based on squads named and recent selections. Subject to late changes.<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"><strong>\ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8 Spain<\/strong> \u2014 Coach: Luis de la Fuente<br \/>\nGK: U. Sim\u00f3n<br \/>\nRB: P. Porro \u00b7 CB: A. Le Normand \u00b7 CB: P. Cubars\u00ed \u00b7 LB: M. Cucurella<br \/>\nCM: Rodri \u00b7 CM: M. Zubimendi \u00b7 CM: Pedri<br \/>\nRW: L. Yamal \u00b7 ST: M. Oyarzabal \u00b7 LW: F. Torres \/ N. Williams<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"><strong>\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddea Belgium<\/strong> \u2014 Coach: Rudi Garcia<br \/>\nGK: T. Courtois<br \/>\nRB: T. Castagne \u00b7 CB: B. Mechele \u00b7 CB: N. Ngoy \u00b7 LB: M. De Cuyper<br \/>\nCM: A. Onana \u00b7 CM: Y. Tielemans (C)<br \/>\nRW: D. Luk\u00e9bakio \/ J. Doku \u00b7 AM: K. De Bruyne \u00b7 LW: L. Trossard<br \/>\nST: C. De Ketelaere \/ R. Lukaku<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\">Head to Head History<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"><strong>World Cup record level heading in \u2014 one win each across two previous meetings<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"overflow-x-auto w-full px-2 mb-6\">\n<table class=\"min-w-full border-collapse text-sm leading-[1.7] whitespace-normal\">\n<thead class=\"text-left\">\n<tr>\n<th class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.6)] py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\" scope=\"col\">Year<\/th>\n<th class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.6)] py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\" scope=\"col\">Competition<\/th>\n<th class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.6)] py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\" scope=\"col\">Result<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">2016<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">Friendly<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">Spain 2\u20130 Belgium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">1990<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">World Cup Group<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">Spain 2\u20131 Belgium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">1986<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">World Cup Quarterfinal<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\">Spain 1\u20131 Belgium (Belgium win 5\u20134 on pens)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"><strong>Context:<\/strong> This will be the third time the two nations have met at a World Cup, and one side will finally pull ahead in a previously level head-to-head record. Their first World Cup clash came at Mexico 1986, also in the quarterfinals, with Belgium advancing via penalty shootout. Spain got their revenge at the following edition, topping a shared group with a 2-1 victory. Forty years on from that shootout in Mexico City, the two sides meet again in Los Angeles in the same stage of the competition \u2014 with Spain&#8217;s recent record in direct knockout encounters pointing towards a different ending this time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Spain vs Belgium: Match Preview FIFA World Cup 2026 \u00b7 Quarterfinal Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium), Inglewood, CA Friday, 10 July \u00b7 12:00 PT \/ 15:00 ET (21:00 BST) Spain&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[309,205],"class_list":["post-1409","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-article","tag-spain-vs-belgium-prediction","tag-world-cup-2026"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ 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