Tournament Path and Match Details
The 2026 World Cup reaches a critical stage this Friday as Spain prepares to face Belgium in a high-stakes quarterfinal clash. The match is scheduled for July 10 at 3 p.m. ET in Inglewood, California, and will be broadcast on Fox.
Spain’s Defensive Masterclass
Spain has been nothing short of dominant throughout the tournament. Reaching the quarterfinals for the first time since their 2010 championship run, the Spanish squad has yet to allow a single goal in five matches. During this streak, they have netted nine goals of their own.
Goalkeeper Unai Simón has been the backbone of this success. He currently leads the tournament with five clean sheets, having successfully stopped all five shots on target he has faced. His record-breaking performance has kept him unbeaten for 609 consecutive minutes.
The Road to the Quarterfinals
Spain secured their spot in the final eight following a dramatic stoppage-time goal by Mikel Merino, which eliminated Portugal in the Round of 16. This upcoming game marks their third consecutive match against European opposition, following their encounter with a Belgian side that previously knocked out the United States, one of the tournament's co-hosts.
Belgium’s Veteran Challenge
For several Belgian icons, this tournament represents a "last dance" on the world stage. Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, and Romelu Lukaku remain key figures for the Red Devils, seeking to replicate or improve upon their third-place finish from 2018. During that previous campaign, Lukaku proved his clinical nature with four goals, while Courtois earned the Golden Glove award.
Injury Setback
Despite the veteran experience in the lineup, Belgium faces a significant hurdle. Midfielder Amadou Onana has been ruled out for the remainder of the competition after sustaining a ruptured ACL during the victory over the United States.