Spain and Belgium will renew one of European football’s most intriguing rivalries when they meet in tonight’s FIFA World Cup quarter-final at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles (kickoff is at 9pm), with a place in the semifinals against France at stake. While Spain have looked the tournament’s most complete team, Belgium have gathered momentum after surviving a dramatic Round of 32 encounter and dismantling hosts the United States in the last 16.
Spain enter the contest as slight favourites after producing a flawless defensive display throughout the tournament. Luis de la Fuente’s side topped Group H after drawing 0-0 with Cape Verde, thrashing Saudi Arabia 4-0 and edging Uruguay 1-0 to finish unbeaten. They then brushed aside Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 before eliminating Iberian rivals Portugal 1-0 in the last 16 thanks to a late winner by Mikel Merino. Remarkably, Spain have yet to concede a goal in the tournament, becoming the first nation to record six consecutive World Cup clean sheets.
Belgium’s journey has been far more dramatic. The Red Devils won Group G after overcoming stiff competition from Egypt, Iran and New Zealand. In the Round of 32 they came from behind to beat Senegal 3-2 in a thrilling contest before producing one of their best performances of the tournament with a commanding 4-1 victory over hosts USA in the Round of 16. Coach Rudi Garcia believes those performances have restored confidence in his squad ahead of their biggest test yet.
Spain’s success has been built around a disciplined defence marshalled by Rodri and goalkeeper Unai Simón, while their attack continues to be inspired by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, the pace of Nico Williams and the creativity of Pedri and Fabián Ruiz. Veteran striker Álvaro Morata remains a constant threat in front of goal, while Mikel Merino has once again proved his ability to score decisive goals in knockout matches.
Belgium, meanwhile, continue to rely on the experience of Kevin De Bruyne, although Romelu Lukaku has been the tournament’s impact player, scoring three goals after coming off the bench. Jeremy Doku’s pace on the wing and Loïs Openda’s movement could trouble Spain’s defence, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will be expected to keep Belgium in the contest if Spain dominate possession.
History also favours Spain. The Spaniards are unbeaten in their last 11 meetings with Belgium, winning nine and drawing two, although Belgium famously knocked Spain out of the 1986 FIFA World Cup on penalties in the quarter-finals. Statistical models also lean heavily towards Spain progressing, largely because of their defensive solidity and superior control of matches.
The two nations had contrasting fortunes at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Spain finished second in Group E after defeating Costa Rica 7-0, drawing 1-1 with Germany and losing 2-1 to Japan. However, their campaign ended disappointingly in the Round of 16 after a penalty shootout defeat to Morocco following a goalless draw.
Belgium, by contrast, suffered one of the tournament’s biggest disappointments.
The world’s second-ranked side at the time beat Canada 1-0 in their opening match, lost 2-0 to Morocco and drew 0-0 with Croatia, finishing third in Group F and failing to reach the knockout stages for the first time since 1998.
Tonight’s clash therefore offers Belgium a chance to prove they have emerged from the shadow of their fading “golden generation,” while Spain are chasing a second World Cup title after their triumph in South Africa in 2010. If recent form is any indication, fans can expect a tactical battle between Spain’s patient possession game and Belgium’s pace and counter-attacking threat, with only one European heavyweight advancing to the semifinals.