Spain and Belgium will meet in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at SoFi Stadium, with both teams aiming to secure a place in the last four after impressive knockout-stage performances.

Spain has built their campaign on defensive consistency and remains unbeaten without conceding a goal in the tournament. Their most recent success came in a 1-0 Round of 16 victory over Portugal, extending a remarkable run of six consecutive World Cup clean sheets. Luis de la Fuente’s side has now gone more than 10 hours without allowing a goal and is conceding just 0.30 expected goals against per match.

While Spain’s defensive organisation has been central to their progress, players such as Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal have provided the attacking threat. Oyarzabal enters the quarter-final in strong form, contributing 24 goals and assists across his last 18 appearances for Spain.

Belgium arrive in Los Angeles with growing confidence after overcoming an inconsistent group stage. Rudi Garcia’s team recovered from two goals down to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in the Round of 32 before recording a convincing 4-1 victory over co-hosts the United States in the Round of 16.

Charles De Ketelaere played a key role against the United States with two goals, while Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku also found the net. Lukaku has scored in each of Belgium’s last three World Cup matches despite coming off the bench and remains an important attacking option.

Belgium have been one of the tournament’s most productive attacking teams, converting 12.1 per cent of their shots and averaging 21.4 attempts per game. Their offensive output will be tested against a Spain side that has yet to concede during the competition.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente expects a difficult challenge from Belgium.

"Tomorrow's game will be the hardest that we've faced to this point. Belgium is a very powerful team. These are players who are used to winning. It's going to be a challenging match."

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia acknowledged Spain’s status among the tournament favourites but expressed confidence in his team's chances.

"We know we are playing one of the favourites. Spain is probably the best at ball possession, and they have been playing in recognisable form for 15 or 20 years. But we have a great team. We are the second-highest scorers in the World Cup, and we are facing the team with the highest expected goals. We think we can do it."

Spain is expected to retain the lineup that defeated Portugal, with Mikel Merino likely to be used from the bench once again. Alex Baena is set to continue in the starting side, while goalkeeper Unai Simón will attempt to record a seventh consecutive World Cup clean sheet.

Belgium, meanwhile, will be without Amadou Onana after the midfielder suffered an ACL injury in the Round of 16. Garcia is expected to adjust his midfield options, with Kevin De Bruyne likely to take on a more advanced role. De Ketelaere is also expected to keep his place in the starting lineup following his recent performance.

With Spain’s defensive strength facing Belgium’s attacking form, the quarter-final presents one of the most intriguing matchups of the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage.