Belgium vs Spain: Spain’s Unbeaten Run Faces De Bruyne’s Return

Updated 10 July 2026.

Update: Spain won 2-1. Read the full match report.

Belgium vs Spain FIFA World Cup 2026 pits an unbeaten Spain side that has not conceded a single goal all tournament against a Belgium team riding the momentum of a 4-1 demolition of the USA and the return of Kevin De Bruyne. Spain are favourites on form, but this is also a rematch of two of the most dramatic World Cup meetings between these sides, and Belgium have never been shy of an upset against them. Kickoff is 3pm ET at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood.

Team News: De Bruyne Returns, Onana Out for Belgium, Spain Missing Two Wingers

Belgium’s biggest boost is the expected return of Kevin De Bruyne, rested for the last-16 win over the USA as a deliberate management call and now fit to start again. That victory came at a cost, though: midfielder Amadou Onana ruled out for the rest of the tournament after tearing the ACL in his right knee, a blow team doctor Brahim Hacene called devastating for player and squad alike. Spain go into the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal without two attacking options. Nico Williams has not featured in either knockout match since injuring his right adductor against Uruguay in the group stage and remains a doubt, with Alex Baena deputising on the left. Yeremy Pino is also sidelined with a collarbone injury that manager Luis de la Fuente has said could rule him out for the rest of the tournament. Despite the absences, Spain’s spine, Unai Simon, Rodri, Pedri and Mikel Oyarzabal, is unaffected.

Past World Cup Meetings: One Win Apiece in Two Classics

Belgium and Spain have met twice at the World Cup, and both went down to the wire. The first was the 1986 quarterfinal at Estadio Cuauhtemoc in Puebla: Jan Ceulemans headed Belgium in front in the 35th minute, Juan Antonio Senor levelled for Spain with a swerving strike in the 85th, and the match went to extra time goalless before a penalty shootout. The only miss of the shootout came from Spain’s Eloy, saved low by Jean-Marie Pfaff, and Belgium won it 5-4 to reach the semifinals. Spain evened the score four years later in the 1990 group stage in Verona, Michel converting a 26th-minute penalty and Alberto Gorriz adding a second either side of Patrick Vervoort’s equaliser for Belgium, Spain winning 2-1. The two nations have not met at a World Cup since, making Friday’s quarterfinal the decider in this rivalry.

Belgium vs Spain FIFA World Cup 2026 Prediction: Spain’s Defence Meets Belgium’s In-Form Attack

Spain go in favoured, and the numbers back it up: six clean sheets in six matches, unbeaten across the tournament, and Unai Simon setting a new tournament record for minutes without conceding. Luis de la Fuente’s side needed a stoppage-time Mikel Merino goal to see off Portugal in the last 16, a reminder they have not always been fully convincing even while winning. Belgium arrive with the tournament’s most emphatic recent result, a 4-1 demolition of co-hosts USA with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice, and De Bruyne’s return adds a decisive creative outlet Belgium lacked without him. This is close to a coin flip on current form despite Spain’s perfect record, and the 1986 meeting is proof Belgium do not fear this fixture. Expect Spain’s control and defensive discipline to edge a tight game, most likely by a single goal, but this is a lean rather than a lock given how well Belgium have played in the knockout rounds. Update: Spain won 2-1, Fabian and Mikel Merino scoring either side of a Charles De Ketelaere strike. Read the full Belgium vs Spain match report.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have Belgium and Spain played at a World Cup before?

Yes, twice. Belgium won the 1986 quarterfinal 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, and Spain won the 1990 group-stage meeting 2-1. The two sides have not met at a World Cup since.

Is Kevin De Bruyne playing for Belgium against Spain?

He is expected to start. De Bruyne was rested for the Round of 16 win over the USA as a management decision and is fit to return for the quarterfinal.

Which Spain players are missing for the Belgium quarterfinal?

Nico Williams (right adductor) has missed both knockout matches and is a doubt, while Yeremy Pino is out with a collarbone injury that could end his tournament. Alex Baena has deputised on the left wing.

Sources: 1986 FIFA World Cup knockout stage, 1990 FIFA World Cup Group E and ESPN’s quarterfinal injury tracker.