Spain and Belgium meet today at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, with a place in the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at stake. After impressive runs through the tournament, both nations arrive aiming to take one more step toward the world title in one of the most anticipated quarterfinals.
Spain, one of the eight countries that have won the World Cup, have looked increasingly dominant after recovering from a scoreless draw against Cape Verde in their opening match. La Roja, coached by Luis de la Fuente, finished atop Group H before defeating Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 and edging Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16 thanks to Mikel Merino’s late winner.
Belgium, managed by Rudi García, have survived two dramatic knockout matches to reach the last eight. After completing the group stage as Group G winners, Domenico Tedesco’s team staged a remarkable comeback against Senegal before defeating the United States 4-1 in the Round of 16 to book a quarterfinal meeting with Spain.
Spain’s confirmed lineup
With FIFA appointed Michael Oliver as the referee for Spain vs Belgium, La Roja will keep the core of the squad that eliminated Portugal, with Mikel Oyarzabal leading the attack after an impressive tournament. Midfield stars Rodri and Fabián Ruiz will once again look to control possession, while Lamine Yamal will aim to make a bigger impact after a relatively quiet World Cup so far.
Spain celebrate the team’s 1-0 victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match. Molly Darlington/Getty Images
Confirmed Spain lineup: Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, Álex Baena; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal.
Spain’s bench will include big names: Pedri isn’t starting today in a shocking decision. Barcelona teammate Gavi isn’t starting either, joined on the bench by Nico Williams, also a substitute against Belgium. Another player hoping to make an impact is Ferran Torres, not a starter for Spain.
Belgium’s confirmed lineup
Belgium will miss Amadou Onana today but boast a midfield led by Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, and Hans Vanaken, while Charles De Ketelaere, Leandro Trossard, and Jérémy Doku are expected to spearhead the attack. Once again, Romelu Lukaku isn’t starting for Belgium, and in a last‑minute change, Youri Tielemans has also been ruled out for today’s match.
Belgium will rely on the experienced spine that has guided them through the knockout stage. Thibaut Courtois anchors the defense behind a midfield led by Kevin De Bruyne, while Charles De Ketelaere will spearhead the attack. Despite playing from the get-go in the Round of 16, Dodi Lukebakio isn’t starting today.
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Confirmed Belgium lineup: Thibaut Courtois; Brandon Mechele, Maxim De Cuyper, Timothy Castagne, Nathan Ngoy; Kevin De Bruyne, Hans Vanaken, Nicolas Raskin; Leandro Trossard, Jérémy Doku, Charles De Ketelaere.
