The race to the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals continues on Friday evening as Spain take on Belgium in a blockbuster quarterfinal clash at the Los Angeles Stadium.
The highly anticipated encounter kicks off at 10:00pm EAT and will be broadcast live on SuperSport World Cup Central, giving Ugandan football fans front row access to one of the tournament’s biggest matches.
Spain arrive in Los Angeles full of confidence after edging past neighbours Portugal in the Round of 16. Belgium, meanwhile, booked their place in the last eight after knocking out tournament co-hosts the United States.
History slightly favours Spain. The two nations have faced each other 23 times, with La Roja winning 12 matches compared to Belgium’s six victories, while five meetings have ended in draws. Their World Cup rivalry is evenly split. Belgium eliminated Spain on penalties in the 1986 quarterfinals after a 1-1 draw, before Spain claimed a 2-1 victory in the group stage at Italia ’90.
Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal has emerged as one of the tournament’s standout performers. The striker has scored four goals and added one assist in five appearances, making him one of Belgium’s biggest threats.
Belgium will once again look to Charles De Ketelaere to inspire their attack. The forward has scored twice and provided one assist during the tournament, including an impressive display against the United States that helped send the Red Devils into the quarterfinals.
Spain’s defensive record has been one of the tournament’s biggest talking points. They are yet to concede a goal after five matches and continue to dominate possession, averaging 598 accurate passes per game, second only to Argentina.
Belgium have impressed with their attacking intent, producing an expected goals (xG) tally of 10.5, bettered only by Brazil and France. They have also ranked among the tournament’s strongest crossing sides, averaging six accurate crosses per match.
The tactical contest promises to be fascinating. Spain are expected to rely on their trademark possession-based 4-3-3 system under Luis de la Fuente, with Rodri controlling the midfield and young star Lamine Yamal providing width and creativity.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia has favoured a more flexible approach, switching between a back four and a back three while using the pace and movement of Leandro Trossard and Charles De Ketelaere to launch quick counterattacks.
With a place in the FIFA World Cup semifinals at stake, fans can expect an intense contest between one of the tournament’s strongest defensive teams and one of its most dangerous attacking sides.
Broadcast Information
Friday, 10 July
10:00pm EAT
Spain vs Belgium
LIVE on SuperSport World Cup Central
