LOS ANGELES — Spain will look to continue their impressive run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they face Belgium in the quarterfinals on Friday at Los Angeles Stadium.
The European heavyweights arrive in the last eight with momentum firmly on their side after a series of commanding performances throughout the tournament. Spain have won four of their five World Cup matches, drawing only once, and have yet to concede a goal since their opening fixture.
Spain booked their place in the quarterfinals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Portugal in the Round of 16 after defeating Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32. During the group stage, they beat Uruguay 1-0 and Saudi Arabia 4-0 before opening their campaign with a scoreless draw against Cabo Verde.
The Spanish attack has been clinical, while their defense has emerged as one of the tournament’s strongest, allowing them to enter the quarterfinal full of confidence.
History also favors Spain.
In five previous meetings between the two nations, Spain have won every encounter against Belgium, giving them a perfect 5-0 record in the rivalry.
The most recent meeting came during 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying when Spain overwhelmed Belgium 5-0 in A Coruña on September 5, 2009. Earlier in that qualifying campaign, Spain claimed a 2-1 victory in Brussels.
The Spaniards also defeated Belgium twice during qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, winning 2-0 both home and away. Their first World Cup meeting dates back to the 1990 tournament in Italy, where Spain earned a 2-1 victory in the group stage.
Head-to-Head Record
- Spain wins: 5
- Belgium wins: 0
- Draws: 0
While history heavily favors Spain, Belgium will be hoping to rewrite the script by reaching the semifinals with their first-ever victory over the Spanish national team.
With both nations boasting talented squads and a place in the World Cup semifinals at stake, Friday’s showdown promises to be one of the marquee matches of the tournament.
Spain will seek to extend both their unbeaten tournament run and their perfect record against Belgium, while the Red Devils will attempt to end decades of frustration and produce one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.