Spain Edge Belgium 2-1 and March into the Semis
Spain converted two clear chances and survived a late Belgian reply to win 2-1 in the quarter-finals.
Spain arrived with the same patient, positional game that carried them through the group and Round of 16. Belgium sat deep, looked for transitions, and made La Roja work for every yard of space.
Spain's midfield eventually found the gaps for a two-goal cushion. Belgium pulled one back late and forced a nervous finish, but Spain's structure held through the final minutes.
At 2-1, the quarter-final was settled. Spain advance as one of the tournament's most coherent teams; Belgium's golden generation exits at the last eight.
The stakes
Winner to the semi-finals. Loser goes home after a long knockout road.
The rivalry angle
Spain's possession school against Belgium's athletic counter-punch is a modern European classic.
Players who could decide it
The key playmaker leading the tactical setup for the La Roja.
The creative spark expected to make the difference for the Red Devils.
Did you know?
- !Spain are affectionately known as the La Roja.
- !Belgium are affectionately known as the Red Devils.
- !This high-profile match was held at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on 2026-07-10.
Head to head
Historically, matches between these two nations have always been tightly contested affairs, with tactical discipline proving key.
