Spain’s national football team faced Belgium’s national football team on Friday in a blockbuster 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The winner of the match would earn a place in the semifinals against the France national football team, who advanced after defeating the Morocco national football team 2–0.
Spain vs Belgium attracted significant attention as two of Europe’s top football nations battled for a place in the tournament’s final four. Spain entered the contest as the favorites after an outstanding run of form, while Belgium aimed to continue their impressive scoring streak despite key injury concerns.
Spain versus Belgium: Team News
The buildup to Spain vs Belgium centered on Spain’s remarkable consistency throughout the tournament. Luis de la Fuente’s side arrived on a 36-match unbeaten run in competitive matches and had not conceded a goal in five World Cup games. Spain reached the quarterfinals by defeating the Portugal national football team 1–0, thanks to a dramatic late winner from Mikel Merino.
Belgium also entered with confidence after a convincing 4–1 victory over the United States men’s national soccer team in the Round of 16. However, the Red Devils suffered a major setback when midfielder Amadou Onana was ruled out for the remainder of the tournament because of an ACL injury.
Key Players and Head-to-Head
Lamine Yamal was expected to start despite a minor hamstring issue, while Nico Williams was available after recovering from injury. Belgium looked to experienced players, including Kevin De Bruyne and their attacking unit, to challenge Spain’s defense.
Historically, Spain has enjoyed the stronger overall record, winning 12 meetings compared to Belgium’s five. In the 21st century, Spain has consistently outperformed Belgium, winning five straight matches and outscoring them 13–1.
Full-Time Update
Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in a fiercely contested FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal at SoFi Stadium to secure a place in the semifinals, where they will face France. The match featured two first-half goals before a dramatic late winner settled the contest.
Key Match Moments
0′ Kickoff: The quarterfinal gets underway at SoFi Stadium. Belgium make a late change as Hans Vanaken replaces the injured Youri Tielemans.
1’–25′ Tactical Phase: Spain dominate possession while Belgium sit deep and defend in numbers during the opening stages.
26′ Hydration Break: Play pauses for the mandatory cooling break, allowing both managers to make tactical adjustments.
30′ Goal – Spain 1-0 Belgium: Fabián Ruiz scores after Thibaut Courtois saves Dani Olmo’s initial effort, with Ruiz converting the rebound.
35′ Offside – Spain: Álex Baena is flagged offside after being played through by Lamine Yamal.
41′ Goal – Spain 1-1 Belgium: Charles De Ketelaere heads home from Timothy Castagne’s cross after a pass from Kevin De Bruyne, ending Spain’s run without conceding in the tournament.
45′ Half-Time: The teams head into the break level at 1-1.
46′ Second Half Begins: Both teams return unchanged after the interval.
47′ Big Chance – Spain: Thibaut Courtois makes an outstanding one-on-one save to deny Lamine Yamal.
55′ Chance – Belgium: Maxim De Cuyper fires into the side netting after combining with Jérémy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne.
60′ Substitutions – Belgium: Leandro Trossard replaces Hans Vanaken, while Romelu Lukaku comes on for Axel Witsel.
61′ Substitution – Belgium: Jorne Seys replaces Maxim De Cuyper.
61′ Double Save – Belgium: Courtois produces two brilliant saves to deny Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal.
70′ Hydration Break: The second mandatory cooling break takes place.
71′ Injury – Belgium: Thibaut Courtois leaves the match injured and is replaced by goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
78′ Substitution – Spain: Nico Williams replaces a teammate to add fresh pace on the left wing.
85′ Double Substitution: Belgium replace Kevin De Bruyne with Alexis Saelemaekers, while Spain introduce Mikel Merino for Dani Olmo.
88′ Goal – Spain 2-1 Belgium: Pau Cubarsí’s long-range effort is spilled by Senne Lammens, allowing Mikel Merino to fire home the rebound.
90+5′ Yellow Card – Belgium: Leandro Trossard is booked late in stoppage time.
90+6′ Full-Time: Spain defeat Belgium 2-1 to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals, where they will face France.
Spain vs Belgium Results Today: FIFA World Cup 2026 Live Score, Updates, Stats