Spain face Belgium in a quarter-final with a semi-final against France awaiting

What happened

Spain meet Belgium in the World Cup quarter-final at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on July 10, with a semi-final against France on the line. According to Sky Sports, the European champions arrive unbeaten and defensively miserly, while Belgium reached the last eight by beating the USA 4-1 after a contentious extra-time win over Senegal in the previous round.

The winner joins France in the semi-finals, the holders' conquerors of Morocco already through.

Why it matters

For Spain, it is the stage at which their group-stage stutter and knockout improvement must translate into a run at the trophy, with Lamine Yamal central to their hopes as he rediscovers form. For Belgium, a side that has flitted between the brilliant and the vulnerable, it is a chance to reach a first semi-final since 2018 on the back of a ruthless display against the hosts.

The contrast in styles frames the tie: Spain's control and solidity against a Belgium attack led by Charles De Ketelaere and the finishing threat of substitute Romelu Lukaku.

Context

Spain edged Portugal 1-0 in the last 16 through a late Mikel Merino goal, and Yamal completed his first 90 minutes of the tournament in that game after a thigh problem had limited his early involvement, per The National. Belgium's route has been more turbulent, needing a disputed penalty to see off Senegal before overwhelming the USA.

The tie also revives a rivalry with history, the sides having met in a memorable World Cup quarter-final four decades ago, adding context to a fixture with a semi-final at stake.

What to watch next

The immediate questions are whether Yamal can finally produce a decisive knockout performance and whether Spain's defence can contain De Ketelaere and a Lukaku cameo. Belgium's ability to raise their level against a stronger opponent than the USA is the other thread, as is how both coaches manage the tie's tempo. The winner advances to a semi-final with France, sharpening the stakes as the tournament reaches its final four.