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AI generated summary, newsroom reviewed
The FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals deliver another heavyweight European showdown as Spain take on Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) today. A place in the semi-finals is at stake, where France already await after having defeated Morocco 2-0. Spain arrive unbeaten with the tournament's best defensive record. They will be looking at prolific scorer Lamine Yamal for breakthroughs. Belgium will look to lean on the experience of Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Jeremy Doku and Thibaut Courtois to extend their World Cup campaign. So, here is everything you need to know about the FIFA World Cup 2026 Spain vs Belgium prediction, preview, teams and when and where to watch live in India. Will Spaniard Lamine Yamal or Belgium talisman Kevin De Bruyne win? Check Spain vs Belgium prediction below and when and where to watch in India. Kick-off is 12:30 AM IST, live on DD Sports for free and ZEE5 and United8 Sports on subscription.
According to prediction market platform Kalshi, Spain have a 60% chance of beating Belgium in regulation time. The platform gives Belgium a 17% chance of winning in 90 minutes, while there is a 23% chance the match will be level after regulation time and go to extra time. So, clearly, when it comes to Spain vs Belgium, Lamine Yamal is likely to top Kevin De Bruyne.
At the FIFA World Cup 2026, Spain have quietly emerged as one of the most complete teams. After finishing top of their group without defeat, Luis de la Fuente's side comfortably beat Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 before edging past Portugal thanks to Mikel Merino's stoppage-time winner. Their disciplined structure, patient possession and defensive solidity have made them one of the favourites to lift the trophy. However, their scoring abilities are suspect even though they have Lamine Yamal.
Belgium's journey has been far more dramatic. The Red Devils fought back from two goals down to defeat Senegal in extra time before overcoming the United States 4-1 in the Round of 16. With veterans Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois still leading the squad, this tournament could represent one final opportunity for the nation's golden generation to reach another World Cup semi-final.
Spain and Belgium have met twice before at the FIFA World Cup, with each side winning once.
Their most memorable meeting came in the 1986 quarter-finals, when Belgium eliminated Spain after a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw. Spain responded four years later at Italia '90, defeating Belgium 2-1 in the group stage to finish top of Group E.
History, therefore, offers little separation between the two European nations ahead of another high-stakes encounter.
Spain's biggest strength has been their remarkable consistency without the ball. Yes, you read that right. They have become the first team in FIFA World Cup history to keep six consecutive clean sheets, underlining the balance created by Rodri in midfield and a well-organised back four.
Pedri and Dani Olmo continue to dictate the tempo in advanced areas, while teenage star Lamine Yamal is steadily regaining full fitness after a late-season injury. With Mikel Oyarzabal leading the line, Spain possess both creativity and control heading into the quarter-final.
Belgium may no longer be at the peak of their golden generation, but their experienced core continues to deliver when it matters. Romelu Lukaku has been among the tournament's standout forwards, while Kevin De Bruyne remains the creative heartbeat of the team. Behind them, Thibaut Courtois continues to provide reassurance with crucial saves in key moments. And then there is the lightning-fast Jeremy Doku, especially in the wings.
Belgium's attacking approach has produced entertaining knockout matches so far, although defensive lapses have occasionally left them vulnerable against quick transitions.
Spain Predicted XI: Unai Simon, Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella, Rodri, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena, Mikel Oyarzabal.
Belgium Predicted XI: Thibaut Courtois, Timothy Castagne, Brandon Mechele, Nathan Ngoy, Maxim De Cuyper, Youri Tielemans, Nicolas Raskin, Amadou Onana, Dodi Lukebakio, Charles De Ketelaere, Leandro Trossard.
As you may notice, this Belgium predicted XI does not have De Bruyne. So, it is touch and go for De Bruyne and a last minute switch will depend on how the coach reads the situation.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final between Spain and Belgium will be played at Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) on Friday, July 10, 2026 (Saturday, July 11 in India). The match is scheduled to kick off at 12:30 AM IST and viewers can catch the match live for free in India on DD Sports. Fans can also watch the live streaming on ZEE5 with a subscription, while the television broadcast will be available on Unite8 Sports 1 and Unite8 Sports 2.
