Spain Faces Belgium in World Cup Quarterfinals as De Bruyne Returns to Belgium Lineup

Spain and Belgium meet in the World Cup quarterfinals on Friday at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, with Spain aiming to advance to the semifinals for the first time since their 2010 title win. Spain, coached by Luis de la Fuente, enters the match as clear favorites after a 1-0 victory over Portugal in the round of 16. Their defense remains unbeaten in the tournament, having not conceded a goal in 609 consecutive minutes. Injured defender Yeremy Pino is absent, while Nico Williams returns to the squad. Alex Baena starts on the left wing, and Dani Olmo plays centrally alongside Pedri and Rodri.

Belgium, coached by Rudi Garcia, arrives as one of the tournament's surprising teams, having reached the quarterfinals with an 18-game unbeaten streak and a confident 4-1 win over the United States in the previous round. Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku return to the starting lineup, with Charles De Ketelaere leading the attack instead of Romelu Lukaku. Amadou Onana remains sidelined due to injury and will not play again in this World Cup. Belgium hopes to reach the semifinals for only the third time in its history.

The match is officiated by English referee Michael Oliver. The quarterfinals continue with Norway facing England and Argentina playing Switzerland on July 12 in Miami and Kansas City, respectively.