Spain
World CupWhy this tip?
This has all the ingredients of a classic encounter between old rivals. Belgium possess enough quality to trouble Spain, but La Roja’s control of possession, defensive organisation and ability to create chances should ultimately prove the difference. I expect Spain to edge a high-quality contest 2-1 and secure their place in the World Cup semi-finals.
Match Preview
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
Matchday: Quarter Finals
Date: Friday,10 July 2026
Kick-off time: 21:00 (SA Time)
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood,California
Match Details
Old rivals Belgium and Spain clash in the second quarter final of the World Cup with La Roja the heavy favourites as they are on a 35-game unbeaten run and have won their last six matches. Belgium were in patchy form to begin the tournament but then put in a masterclass against the USA so they could be peaking at the right time. Spain is the only team that is yet to concede a goal with the likes of Aymeric Laporte and midfielder Rodri forming an impenetrable wall. The match will take place at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California. South African viewers can catch the action at 21:00 on Friday 10 July.
Why This Match Matters
This match holds major significance for both teams but for different reasons. Spain came into the World Cup as one of the favourites and have made the last eight for the first time since their triumph in 2010. They have a number of young players that will be carrying the flag for many years to come while Belgium knows this is the last chance saloon for many of their golden generation. The likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku will be playing their last World Cup and will be the first to admit that their nation has failed to perform on the big stage for too long. This is a chance for redemption but they will need to end a five game losing run to the Spanish which will not be easy considering La Roja are yet to concede a goal.
Spain vs Belgium Head-to-Head Stats
Previous Meetings
Spain and Belgium have had numerous meetings over the years due to them being European neighbours. In recent times La Roja has dominated the contest, winning the last five matches between the sides.
Spain’s Recent Form
Spain’s last five matches: DWWWW
Recent results include:
06/07/2026 (World Cup): Portugal 0-1 Spain
02/07/2026 (World Cup): Spain 3-0 Austria
27/06/2026 (World Cup): Uruguay 0-1 Spain
21/06/2026 (World Cup): Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia
15/06/2026 (World Cup): Spain 0-0 Cape Verde
Recent form: Spain had a slow start to the tournament when they were held to a shocking goalless draw against debutants Cape Verde. They quickly found form in their next match when they thrashed Saudi Arabia 4-0. Victory over Uruguay in their final group match secured their spot in the Round of 32 where they easily saw off the challenge of Austria 3-0. La Roja then scored a late goal to beat Portugal and claim a spot in the quarter finals.
Belgium’s Recent Form
Belgium’s last five matches: DDWWW
Recent results include:
07/07/2026 (World Cup): USA 1-4 Belgium
01/07/2026 (World Cup): Belgium 3-2 Senegal (AET)
27/06/2026 (World Cup): New Zealand 1-5 Belgium
21/06/2026 (World Cup): Belgium 0-0 Iran
15/06/2026 (World Cup): Belgium 1-1 Egypt
Recent form: Belgium struggled to get their first win as they drew their opening two group games against Egypt and Iran. They were under pressure to beat New Zealand in their last group game to qualify, the Europeans responded with a five star performance as they trounced the men from Down Under 5-1. Belgium then survived a massive scare in the Round of 32 against Senegal before prevailing 3-2 after extra time. They then saved their best performance of the tournament for the Round of 16 when they beat hosts USA 4-1.
Team News
Spain Team News
Coach Luis de la Fuente is expected to stick with the same starting XI after the win over Portugal. He has no injury concerns with Dani Olmo looking to have secured the advanced midfield position. Pedro Porro has established himself at right-back, while Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella complete the defence that has been a rock and yet to concede a goal.
Injuries: There are no injury concerns.
Suspensions: No suspensions.
Key players to watch: Lamine Yamal has again proven to be the biggest threat in attack for Spain with his ability to beat defenders and provide for his teammates. Mikel Oyarzabal will be looking to add to his tally although his finishing was nit great against Portugal while Ferran Torres offers pace and clinical finishing from the left. In midfield, Rodri, Pedri and Dani Olmo will be tasked with controlling possession, dictating the tempo and creating chances against a talented Belgian side. At the back, Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte must keep a close watch on Charles De Ketelaere and Jérémy Doku, while goalkeeper Unai Simón will need to be at his best to deny Belgium’s dangerous attacking unit and help Spain keep another clean sheet.
Belgium Team News
Coach Rudi Garcia made a few changes before the USA which proved to be a masterstroke but will be forced into making at least one change with Amadou Onana ruled out of the tournament with a suspected ACL injury. His place is likely to be taken by Hans Vanaken. The other possible changes could see veteran star De Bruyne come into the starting team.
Injuries: Amadou Onana is ruled out of the tournament.
Suspensions: No suspensions.
Key players to watch: Breaking down the Spanish defence will be no easy task but if one man is capable of it, it is Kevin De Bruyne. He has the creativity to see the perfect pass to the likes of Leandro Trossard and Charles De Ketelaere. The latter will be full of confidence after his brace in the Round of 32 against the USA and has to take any half chances if his team are to upset the Spanish juggernaut. Hans Vanaken must help De Bruyne compete with Spain’s possession-based approach and prevent Rodri and Pedri from controlling the game. Jérémy Doku will be a key in stretching the Belgium defence and opening space for the front men.Defensively, Brandon Mechele and Nathan Ngoy face the difficult task of containing the dangerous Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois must produce the world class performances he has produced throughout his career.
Predicted Lineups
Spain Predicted XI
Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Dani Olmo, Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres.
Belgium Predicted XI
Thibaut Courtois; Maxim De Cuyper, Brandon Mechele, Nathan Ngoy, Timothy Castagne; Youri Tielemans, Kevin De Bruyne, Hans Vanaken; Leandro Trossard, Charles De Ketelaere, Jérémy Doku.
Best Betting Markets for Spain vs Belgium
Match Winner
Prediction: Spain to win @ (1.67) at Hollywoodbets
Over/Under Goals
Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals @(1.80) at WSB
Both Teams to Score
Prediction: Both Teams to Score-Yes @ (1.83) at Betway
Anytime Goalscorer
Prediction: Mikel Oyarzabal to score anytime @ (2.40) at Easybet
Spain vs Belgium Prediction
Best Bet
Prediction: Spain to win and over 2.5 goals @(2.40) at Hollywoodbets
Correct Score Prediction
Prediction: Spain 2 – 1 Belgium @ (9.50) at Easybet
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Match analysis and verdict
Spain have lived up to their pre- tournament billing as favourites as they have combined a brick wall defence with their trademark possession-based football. They have five clean sheets while the midfield trio of Rodri, Pedri and Dani Olmo has dictated games with ease. Up front, the brilliance of Lamine Yamal and the movement of Mikel Oyarzabal have made La Roja one of the most dangerous attacking sides at the World Cup.
Belgium have also impressed after eliminating the USA in emphatic fashion. Kevin De Bruyne will need to pull the strings while the pace of Jérémy Doku and the creativity of Leandro Trossard provide plenty of attacking threat. At the back, Thibaut Courtois has once again shown why he is regarded as one of the world’s best goalkeepers.
This has all the ingredients of a classic encounter between old rivals. Belgium possess enough quality to trouble Spain, but La Roja’s control of possession, defensive organisation and ability to create chances should ultimately prove the difference. I expect Spain to edge a high-quality contest 2-1 and secure their place in the World Cup semi-finals.
Prediction: Spain 2 – 1 Belgium
Writer / Betting tipster
I am what you call a sporting all-rounder with my favourite sports being rugby, football and cricket. I have been actively writing rugby and football articles for the last decade. These include previews, reviews and interesting topical pieces. I am a huge fan of Liverpool and a passionate supporter of the Springboks. My interests in recent years have also included iGaming as this is one of the fastest growing betting markets. Follow me for the best rugby odds in South Africa as I continue to find you the best bookie to place your bets.
