Los Angeles [US], July 10: Spain and Belgium meet in Los Angeles with a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals at stake. Both nations emerged from the group stage as unbeaten section winners, with La Roja then producing one of the standout performances of the Round of 32 to sweep aside Austria 3-0. Luis de la Fuente's side won a tight Iberian derby with Portugal in the last 16 thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Mikel Merino, booking Spain a third successive knockout match against European opposition.
Belgium, meanwhile, have enjoyed a topsy-turvy, goal-filled knockout stage so far. Seemingly down and out when losing 2-0 to Senegal in the Round of 32, the Red Devils rallied to snatch a famous 3-2 extra-time victory. Against co-hosts USA in the Round of 16, it was more straightforward as Charles De Ketelaere's first-half double set Belgium on their way to a comfortable 4-1 win in Seattle.
Spain midfielder Dani Olmo said his Barcelona club teammate Yamal was growing into the tournament.
"He brings so much to the team with his dribbling and presence. When he receives the ball, two or three opposing players close in on him, which opens up space," he said.
"Lamine scores and assists - he's always done that in his short career -- and even when he doesn't, he'll keep helping us with the work he's doing."
For the Red Devils, this World Cup - and especially each knockout match - represents the likely final hurrah of the last vestiges of the nation's fabled golden generation.
Coach Rudi Garcia still relies on several of Belgium's veterans, with Kevin De Bruyne a creative reference point, Thibaut Courtois a commanding last line of defence and Romelu Lukaku a world-class finisher who has joined the pantheon of great World Cup goalscorers at this tournament.
Lukaku's three strikes in North America have put him level with Diego Maradona, Rudi Voller and Rivaldo on eight World Cup goals.
The clash with Spain is Belgium's third quarter-final in four World Cups and fourth overall; the Red Devils beat La Roja at this stage in 1986 and Brazil in 2018, sandwiching a loss to Argentina in 2014. For Spain, the quarter-finals have not often been a happy hunting ground.
They have only cleared the last eight twice, making it to the final group stage in 1950 and beating Paraguay on their way to lifting the trophy in South Africa 60 years later.
With Rodri the midfield anchor, Pedri and Dani Olmo bringing craft between the lines and Lamine Yamal continuing to show why he is one of the tournament's most exciting talents, a showdown with Belgium offers the 2010 champions another chance to show that their new generation is ready to add to that historic World Cup triumph.
Source: Qatar Tribune
