The 2026 World Cup quarterfinals continue at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, where Spain and Belgium clash in a crucial match as both look to book their place among the tournament’s final four teams.

Spain stumbled into the tournament with a scoreless draw against Cape Verde, but have looked sharper with every match since, cruising to the top of Group H before thrashing Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 and edging out Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16 on a late Mikel Merino strike.

La Roja has not conceded a goal throughout the tournament and became the first national team in World Cup history to keep six consecutive clean sheets. Goalkeeper Unai Simon has also extended his scoreless streak beyond 600 minutes in the competition.

A Spanish victory would send La Roja into the 2026 World Cup semifinals, where France already awaits after the French defeated Morocco 2-0.

The victory would also reinforce Spain’s status as one of the leading favorites to capture a second World Cup title under Luis de la Fuente.

Belgium, meanwhile, needed a dramatic turnaround to reach this stage, coming from behind to beat Senegal in extra time after topping Group G, before putting together their most complete performance of the tournament in a 4-1 rout of co-hosts USA to reach the quarterfinals.

Veteran stars Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois continue to provide leadership, while younger players such as Charles De Ketelaere and Leandro Trossard have added another dimension to the attack.

A Belgian victory would produce one of the biggest surprises of the tournament. The Red Devils would advance to their first World Cup semifinal since finishing third in 2018 and earn a meeting with France in Dallas.

Spain’s impressive unbeaten streak would come to an end, eliminating one of the strongest contenders. Such a result would also mark another memorable chapter for Belgium’s experienced generation.

A draw at the end of regulation would not decide the bracket. Instead, the quarterfinal would move into two 15-minute periods of extra time.

Should the teams remain level after 120 minutes, the semifinal spot would be decided through a penalty shootout. Only then would one team officially secure its place against France while the other would be eliminated.

Spain Team News

Spain have kept a relatively settled side since their opening game, and De La Fuente is unlikely to tinker too much with his lineup on Friday.

The main debates are whether Marcos Llorente, Fabian Ruiz or last-16 matchwinner Merino can force their way into the starting XI.

Set for the bench once again, Nico Williams is still short of full fitness after an adductor injury, but fellow Euro 2024 star Lamine Yamal will start on La Roja's right wing.

Up front, Real Sociedad forward Mikel Oyarzabal has recorded 23 goal involvements from his last 17 international starts.

Spain predicted starting lineup: Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal

Belgium Team News

Meanwhile, De Ketelaere is expected to continue as Belgium's false nine, with Lukaku again consigned to the bench; the latter notched his 93rd national-team strike last time out.

Dropped against the US, De Bruyne had been substituted in each of the first four matches - having previously played the full game in 13 consecutive World Cup appearances - but he could return for the quarter-final.

There is now a vacancy in midfield, as Amadou Onana suffered the agony of an ACL injury on Monday; Vanaken and Nicolas Raskin may also come into Garcia's thinking.

Formerly first choice, Zeno Debast has yet to feature at these finals due to a leg injury, so the Belgian back four should stay unchanged.

Belgium predicted starting lineup: Courtois; Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; Vanaken, Tielemans; Lukebakio, De Bruyne, Trossard; De Ketelaere