Spain meets Belgium in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, aiming for only its second-ever semifinal. A minute of silence will honor Almería fire victims. The winner will face France in the next round.
Spain's national football team is set for a decisive World Cup quarterfinal against Belgium tonight in Los Ángeles, with kickoff scheduled for 21:00 on La 1 and Dazn. The match carries historic weight: Spain has reached the semifinals only once before, during its victorious 2010 campaign in South Africa. A win would secure a place among the world's top four teams for just the second time in the country's football history.
Coach De la Fuente has made a single change to the starting lineup compared to the previous round against Portugal. Fabián replaces Pedri in midfield, joining Unai Simón, Pedro Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella, Rodrigo, Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Baena, and Oyarzabal on the pitch. Belgium, meanwhile, brings Doku and De Bruyne back into its starting eleven. The Red Devils will field Courtois; Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; Raskin, Tielemans, De Bruyne; Trossard, Doku, and De Ketelaere.
Before the match, FIFA has authorized a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the recent fire in Almería, where at least 12 people lost their lives and 23 remain missing. This gesture underscores the broader impact of national tragedies on major sporting events, as seen when Spanish broadcasters have previously adjusted programming in response to significant national moments, such as TVE's schedule change for the Spanish Civil War anniversary.
Spain's last appearance in a World Cup semifinal dates back to 2010, when the team went on to claim its only world title. Since then, reaching the final four has remained elusive. Should Spain overcome Belgium tonight, a high-stakes semifinal against France awaits. The match not only tests the squad's depth and tactical flexibility but also serves as a reminder of the rare opportunities for Spanish football to make a global mark.
For context, the FIFA World Cup is the most-watched sporting event worldwide, with the semifinals drawing hundreds of millions of viewers. Spain's football infrastructure and youth development have been widely credited for the national team's resurgence in recent years, but translating domestic success to the international stage remains a challenge. Belgium, often considered a 'golden generation,' has also struggled to convert talent into major trophies. The outcome of tonight's match will shape the narrative for both nations and could influence the direction of Spanish football for years to come.
