According to journalist David Ornstein, United decided to move forward with the transfer by triggering a £35 million mechanism. Aston Villa had absolutely no intention of selling their star playmaker and even put a lucrative new contract on the table.

Fabrizio Romano further confirmed the package by dropping his famous “here we go” catchphrase regarding deal. The Italian insider noted that a verbal agreement is fully in place with the Belgian international to finalize the paperwork.

What Tielemans brings to Manchester United?

The midfielder boasts an impressive track record, having made 93 appearances and scoring 5 goals for Aston Villa at the Premier League. His brilliant intelligence on the pitch recently helped anchor Unai Emery’s side all the way to a historic Europa League title.

United’s tactical setup will benefit immensely from his exceptional progressive passing ability and superb knack for regaining central ball possession. He famously holds a Premier League record for completing 126 successful passes in a single match against Everton.

Displaying elite worth on the World Cup

Despite Belgium being eliminated from the tournament, Tielemans utilized the global stage to prove he belongs at a historic powerhouse. He served as a crucial pillar for the Red Devils, famously scoring two vital goals against Senegal in the Round of 32. That stellar performance solidified his reputation as an elite big-game player.

The 29-year-old has now amassed 90 senior international caps for his country since making his debut in 2016. Captaining his nation during this summer’s tournament showed the soccer world that he possesses the leadership required for Old Trafford.

During the second half against Spain, Thibaut Courtois had to receive medical attention due to a leg injury. Minutes later, Courtois was subbed off, which caused a great deal of intrigue and concern among fans.

After the match and Belgium’s subsequent elimination from the 2026 World Cup, Thibaut Courtois spoke to the media about what happened. The Real Madrid goalkeeper revealed he suffered a quadriceps issue, though he still believes it was unnecessary for him to be subbed off.

“I felt a lot of pain in my quadriceps. But I had no problem with staying in goal though, only for long kicks,” Courtois said after the match. “In the end the manager decided to take me off, this is no problem as the team goes above everything.”

Thibaut Courtois wants to take time off from international duty

Following his exit, Thibaut Courtois had to watch from the bench as a costly mistake by his substitute led to Spain’s decisive 2-1 goal. With Belgium eliminated, the heartbreak has caused the Real Madrid star to reconsider his international future.

Courtois remains one of Belgium’s focal stars, and his presence on the pitch has long been key for the Red Devils to maintain their status as serious contenders. However, following this agonizing elimination, Courtois confirmed he will be taking some time off from international duty.

“I want to rest for a year without any Belgium matches, and then play the EURO qualifiers and the 2028 EURO,” Courtois said. “I don’t know if Belgium will agree to this.”

Courtois’ exit had a direct impact on the game

With the score leveled at 1-1, Courtois felt pain in his leg with roughly 20 minutes left in the game. Rudi Garcia chose not to take any chances and decided to sub him off, giving Senne Lammens the opportunity to play.

Unfortunately, this change did not work to Belgium’s benefit. The Manchester United goalkeeper committed a costly mistake at the end of the match, resulting in Mikel Merino’s winning goal and securing Spain’s victory over the Red Devils.

Courtois’ setback comes after Belgium were forced into a last-minute team change due to injury, with captain Youri Tielemans picking up a suspected hamstring injury in the warm-up.

Tielemans was set to start alongside Nicolas Raskin in the middle but was replaced by Club Brugge midfielder Hans Vanaken just 12 minutes before kick-off.

A costly injury

Senne Lammens entered the match for Courtois but was responsible for Spain taking the lead. Following a shot from Pau Cubarsi, Lammens gave up an unusual rebound, which was tracked down by Mikel Merino, who scored with ease.

It was a mistake that cost them the match. Belgium had done everything possible to defend and play on transitions against a dominant Spain, but they lost due to a costly blunder.

This already leaves everyone wondering: what would have happened if Courtois had stayed on the pitch? Would Spain have secured the goal? How long would they have lasted, or is it possible they could have even secured the victory with their own mystique?

Belgium on the verge of an epic comeback

Belgium initially fell behind following a great goal by Fabian Ruiz, who earned a place in the starting lineup for Spain. Later, Charles De Ketelaere managed to score with a header following an assist from Timothy Castagne.

In the afternoon of Thursday, July 9th, a downed power line, combined with strong winds and an intense heatwave unleashed a huge fire that burned through more than 3,150 acres of land around the towns of Los Gallardos and Bedar in Almeria.

Now, a day later and with Spain on the pitch before their game vs Belgium, FIFA made the humanitarian decision of showing support to the victims by honoring them with a minute of silence before the game kicked off. Unfortunately, this was not the only minute of silence in a Spain game due to a tragedy happening during the 2026 World Cup.

Victims of the Almeria wildfires

The blaze tragically took the life of at least 12 people according to reports by BBC. Some victims were trapped in their cars while trying to flee. Others succumbed while trying to get away from the flames on foot along an unauthorized route. An additional 23 people were reported missing.

Approximately 1,000 residents were forced to evacuate the towns. Also, around 600 people were displaced, taking shelter in local facilities set up by Spanish emergency services. This is an ongoing procedure to save more and more lifes.

FIFA has humanitarian aids

FIFA operates a dedicated FIFA Foundation Humanitarian Fund. This foundation provides emergency assistance and life-saving relief to communities affected by natural and human-made disasters globally. Hence, it wouldn’t be rare to see them supporting Almeria.

As a matter of fact, the FIFA Foundation pledged $1 million to aid areas impacted by a devastating earthquake. This included a joint $500,000 education restoration initiative with artist Shakira.

Positive details emerge for Belgium as Hans Vanaken has replaced him in the midfield, in what is a huge blow to the side that overcame the USMNT in the previous round. That round of 16 match ended in a 4-1 rout fueled by controversy over a Folarin Balogun red card ban suspension. In that same game, Belgium lost another starting midfielder in Amadou Onana, who suffered an ACL injury, ruling him out for several months.

Raskin and De Bruyne will start in the middle of the pitch against Spain, who have also changed their midfield, as Barcelona metronome Pedri was not selected by Luis de la Fuente.

Tielemans’ status before the match

Tielemans, 29, started all five matches for Belgium at the World Cup before Friday’s game in Inglewood, California. The Aston Villa midfielder scored two goals against Senegal in the round of 32, helping Belgium to a dramatic 3-2 comeback win.

Still, Vanaken is not a bad alternative. Vanaken, 33, has also played in all five World Cup games for Belgium, starting four straight after his last-minute inclusion against Spain. The Club Brugge midfielder notched a goal and an assist as Belgium beat the USA 4-1 in the round of 16.

Belgium lineup updates

Beyond the key injury, it is worth remembering that Belgium have also played the World Cup without defender Zeno Debast, who has a leg injury and has been held out of action by his club, Sporting Lisbon.

Kevin De Bruyne returned to the lineup for Belgium against Spain after sitting out the win over the USMNT to rest. However, Romelu Lukaku will not start, nor will Dodi Lukebakio, who was a starter in the previous match.

Even though Romelu Lukaku has been an outstanding servant for Belgium, the truth is that he is no longer the lethal striker he once was. For that reason, manager Rudi Garcia has decided to bench him in favor of a younger option in attack as Charles De Ketelaere, so it is purely a tactical decision.

Lukaku is completely healthy and even scored against the USA in the Round of 16, even mocking the USMNT during his goal celebration. However, he is now regarded as a luxury super-sub off the bench rather than an undisputed starter.

Belgium is not the favorite against Spain

Spain is one of only eight nations to have ever won the World Cup. La Roja entered the tournament as a true contender, and while its debut was a bit rocky, the 2010 champions are now widely regarded as one of the absolute favorites to secure the title.

On the other side is Belgium (whose FIFA ranking has been updated), a team that has historically struggled to dominate on the world stage. While their “Golden Generation” is slowly fading away, the Red Devils are proving that the dark horse label suits them perfectly, and they look entirely comfortable playing without the weight of expectation.

Belgium will also be missing other notable stars from the starting lineup, including Dodi Lukebakio. Nevertheless, Garcia’s squad hopes to shock the world today, advance to the semifinals, and set up a blockbuster clash against a powerful French side.

The coaching staff has continued to trust Mikel Oyarzabal as his undisputed starter, maintaining the same attacking structure that has produced positive results throughout the tournament. After an injury, Nico Williams is not starting either.

While Ferran Torres remains an important member of the squad, his role in this World Cup has mainly been as an impact substitute in the second half. It could happen again facing Belgium, who are missing Youri Tielemans today in a last-minute change to their lineup.

Why is Ferran not playing today for Spain vs Belgium?

Ferran is not playing today for Spain against Belgium because Luis de la Fuente believes Mikel Oyarzabal is the best option as the central reference in La Roja’s attack.

Oyarzabal has become a key figure in Spain’s offensive setup, offering movement, finishing ability, and tactical understanding in the final third. As a result, Ferran Torres has not been selected for the starting XI against Belgium, despite his quality and experience at the international level with FC Barcelona.

Who is starting for Spain vs Belgium in attack?

Spain’s attacking lineup for the quarterfinal will feature Mikel Oyarzabal, Lamine Yamal, and Dani Olmo. This trio combines Oyarzabal’s finishing presence with the creativity and unpredictability of Yamal and Olmo. De la Fuente appears to be maintaining the attacking formula that has worked well for Spain in recent matches.

Is Ferran Torres available for Spain vs Belgium in 2026 World Cup?

Yes. Ferran Torres is available and could play an important role later in the match. If Spain needs more attacking depth, speed, or a different offensive approach, De la Fuente may turn to Torres in the second half. Given his profile and experience, he remains a valuable weapon for Spain in a high-stakes quarterfinal against Belgium.

Spain, one of the eight countries that have won the World Cup, have been one of the standout teams of the World Cup after finishing first in Group H before defeating Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 and edging Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16. However, head coach Luis de la Fuente has opted for a different attacking setup against Belgium.

Although the Athletic Club winger has recovered from the muscle injury he suffered during Spain’s group-stage victory over Uruguay following a heavy challenge from Nicolás de la Cruz, he is still working his way back after missing several training sessions during his recovery.

Belgium, managed by Rudi García, arrive after overcoming Senegal and eliminating the United States 4-1 in the Round of 16. The winner of today’s quarterfinal will advance to face France in the semifinals.

Could Nico Williams play later in the match?

Williams has fully recovered from his injury and is available among Spain’s substitutes for today’s quarterfinal. His pace and dribbling ability could become valuable if Spain need an attacking spark in the second half against Belgium, making him one of De la Fuente’s main options off the bench. Another big name who isn’t starting is Pedri.

Spain will attempt to reach the semifinals despite Williams’ absence, while Belgium arrive with the confidence of a team that once reached as far as third place at the 2018 World Cup, the deepest run in their history.

The surprise is even greater because, in the buildup, many expected Dani Olmo to be sacrificed to bring Fabian Ruiz into the midfield. However, the Spanish head coach opted to keep the Barcelona player and leave out Pedri. Everything indicates it is a 100% tactical decision, as Pedri was not entering the match in his best form, for a fixture that already has referees confirmed.

For his part, Fabian returns to the starting eleven, a position he had not held since the debut against Cape Verde, where Spain drew 0-0 against Cape Verde. However, he is an experienced player who can give a different energy to the Spanish midfield. Pedri will be alongside a Barcelona teammate on the bench in Gavi, who isn’t starting either.

Spain chase World Cup semifinals

La Roja face one of their biggest challenges in this 2026 World Cup. Belgium arrive strengthened and with a great position in the FIFA ranking after overcoming a tough elimination round and represent a maximum-demand opponent for the men led by Luis de la Fuente.

For this reason, the head coach decided to introduce important modifications in search of controlling the tempo of the match and punching their ticket to the semifinals. He also left Nico Williams on the bench.

Confirmed lineups

Lineups are already confirmed. With the decision to bench Pedri and Gavi while deciding not to start Ferran Torres once again, Luis de la Fuente will line up as follows: Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Alex Baena; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal.

On Belgium’s side, Romelu Lukaku will not start in a decision that has become repetitive, nor will Dodi Lukebakio, who had been a starter in the last match against USA. Rudi Garcia chose his starting eleven: Thibaut Courtois; Brandon Mechele, Maxim De Cuyper, Timothy Castagne, Nathan Ngoy; Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, Nicolas Raskin; Leandro Trossard, Jeremy Doku, Charles De Ketelaere.

This tactical decision might come as a shock to some as Lukebakio started last game. Lukebakio will start on the bench as Jeremy Doku comes back to being a starter for Belgium. They’ve exchanged starting roles in this World Cup.

Despite last game’s lineup, head coach Rudi Garcia has opted to bench Lukebakio once again. With plenty of fans attending Los Angeles Stadium, Garcia is shifting away from the tactic that led Belgium here.

Lukebakio’s irregular output for Belgium during 2026 World Cup

Lukebakio just played once in three games of the 2026 World Cup stage. Then, he was trusted as a super sub in the Round of 32, and then got the starting role against the USA. Now, Garcia is sending him back to the sidelines for the game vs Spain.

Doku and Lukebakio have similar characteristics as they are both pacy, electric, and quite good in 1-on-1 situations. Hence, Garcia might just think Doku is better suited for this game compared to Lukebakio. Belgium aren’t the only team leaving big names on the bench, as Pedri isn’t starting for Spain.

Are Belgium better off without Lukebakio?

The fact that Lukebakio and Doku are so similar makes it pretty tough to assess how relevant he is. Doku is just a better version of Lukebakio, as stated by two facts: Doku plays for a bigger club, and Lukebakio suffered injuries in the latter parts of the season prior to the World Cup.

Facing a possession-dominant side like Spain requires relentless off-the-ball running for the entire match. This requires plenty of stamina, so if Doku starts to fade, we’re likely to see Lukebakio in the second half as a substitute.

The reason for Gavi’s absence is a tactical decision made by head coach Luis de la Fuente. Since Spain’s opening match of the tournament, De la Fuente has not restored Gavi to the starting XI, instead placing his trust in a midfield structure that has provided balance, control, and consistency throughout the World Cup campaign.

Spain enters the quarterfinal against Belgium with a clear tactical identity, and De la Fuente appears determined to maintain the formula that has brought positive results in recent matches. While Gavi remains an important member of the squad, the coach has opted to prioritize continuity in midfield and attack as La Roja faces one of its toughest tests of the tournament. Nico Williams is another star on the bench against Belgium today.

Why is Gavi not playing today for Spain vs Belgium?

The decision is purely technical and reflects De la Fuente’s confidence in his current midfield setup. Spain will start Fabian Ruiz, Alex Baena, and Rodri in midfield against Belgium.

While Gavi remains on the bench, Spain’s attacking lineup continues to feature Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, and Mikel Oyarzabal. These players have become key pieces of Spain’s offensive approach, combining creativity, movement, and finishing ability in the final third. The decision to keep the same attacking core suggests that De la Fuente is trusting the players who have been producing results in recent matches.

Can Gavi play for Spain against Belgium?

Yes, Gavi is available and could be an important option in the second half. His energy, pressing ability, and technical quality make him a valuable alternative if Spain needs to change the rhythm of the match or add intensity in midfield.

Given the importance of the quarterfinal, Luis de la Fuente may choose to introduce Gavi later in the game depending on the tactical demands and the scoreline. The same might happen with Ferran Torres, who isn’t starting for Spain.

What does this mean for Spain?

Gavi’s absence from the starting lineup does not indicate an injury or suspension. It is simply a reflection of De la Fuente’s tactical preference for the current midfield combination.

Spain enters the quarterfinal against Belgium with a strong and balanced lineup, while still having Gavi available as a high-quality option from the bench. If the match becomes more demanding in the second half, Gavi could play a decisive role as one of Spain’s most influential substitutes.