Spain vs Belgium: Lineups and Team News for World Cup Quarterfinal at SoFi Stadium
Spain and Belgium Face Off in World Cup Quarterfinal
On Friday, July 10th, Spain and Belgium will clash at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, with a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals on the line. Spain has impressed through the knockout rounds, narrowly beating Portugal 1-0 thanks to a late goal by Mikel Merino. Belgium enters this match after a commanding 4-1 win over the United States, highlighted by two goals from Charles De Ketelaere.
Spain's Expected Starting Eleven (4-3-3)
The lineup, moving right to left, is expected to be:
- Goalkeeper: 23. Unai Simon
- Defenders: 12. Pedro Porro, 22. Pau Cubarsi, 14. Aymeric Laporte, 24. Marc Cucurella
- Midfielders: 16. Rodri, 20. Pedri
- Forwards/Wingers: 19. Lamine Yamal, 10. Dani Olmo, 15. Alex Baena, 21. Mikel Oyarzabal
Luis de la Fuente is likely to keep the same squad that secured their quarterfinal spot. The defense, featuring Simon and Porro, has helped Spain maintain a record five consecutive clean sheets in the tournament. Nico Williams remains doubtful due to an adductor injury and may stay on the bench again. Merino could come off the bench once more after his decisive goal against Portugal.
Belgium's Projected Starting Eleven (4-2-3-1)
The lineup, arranged right to left, looks like this:
- Goalkeeper: 1. Thibaut Courtois
- Defenders: 21. Timothy Castagne, 4. Brandon Mechele, 3. Arthur Theate, 5. Maxim De Cuyper
- Midfielders: 20. Hans Vanaken, 23. Nicolas Raskin
- Attacking Midfielders/Wingers: 14. Dodi Lukebakio, 8. Youri Tielemans, 11. Jeremy Doku
- Forward: 17. Charles De Ketelaere
Rudi Garcia must decide on Leandro Trossard, who is recovering from a muscle issue sustained against the US. Amadou Onana is out for the rest of the tournament with a knee injury. Courtois continues in goal with Castagne and Mechele anchoring the defense. Vanaken is expected to fill Onana's midfield role. Kevin De Bruyne remains on the bench as Tielemans covers creative duties. Romelu Lukaku also sits on the bench, ready if a change in attack is needed.
Match Prediction
We think Spain might edge this one with a 2-1 victory over Belgium.
Where to Watch the Match
In the United States, Fox will broadcast the match nationally. Fans can also stream it via fubo, Fox One, or the Fox Sports app and website. New fubo subscribers get a free trial, which could be a good way to watch without cable.
Other countries have these options:
- Canada: TSN channels and TSN+ streaming
- United Kingdom: BBC One and BBC iPlayer
- Australia: SBS and SBS On Demand
- India: Unite8 Sports and ZEE5
