Spain vs Belgium. Los Angeles. July 11, 12:30 AM IST. Spain have not conceded a single goal at this FIFA World Cup 2026™. Belgium just beat the host nation 4-1 and have Kevin De Bruyne back in the starting XI. Something has to give tonight in Los Angeles.
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Belgium Team News
The big injury news coming out of Belgium’s camp is the loss of Amadou Onana. The powerful midfielder tore his anterior cruciate ligament during the 4-1 Round of 16 win over the United States and has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament. It is a blow — Onana was Belgium’s engine in midfield, physical, aggressive, and vital to how they won the ball back.
His replacement is Hans Vanaken, who steps into the starting XI. Vanaken is no stranger to making an impact — he came off the bench against the USA and was arguably Belgium’s most influential player in the second half. Three of Belgium’s four goals in that match came after he entered the pitch, and he scored the third himself. Tedesco will be hoping Vanaken can carry that energy into a starting role tonight.
The other major story is Kevin De Bruyne’s return. Belgium’s most gifted player was tactically rested for the Round of 16 and comes back fully fresh. When De Bruyne is on the pitch, Belgium are a different team — more creative, more unpredictable, more dangerous. His return more than offsets the anxiety around Onana’s absence.
Belgium Predicted XI
GK: Thibaut Courtois
RB: Timothy Castagne | RCB: Nathan Ngoy | LCB: Brandon Mechele | LB: Maxim De Cuyper
CDM: Youri Tielemans (C) | CDM: Hans Vanaken
RW: Leandro Trossard | CAM: Kevin De Bruyne | LW: Dodi Lukébakio
ST: Charles De Ketelaere
Spain Team News
Spain come into this match on the back of a clean tournament — no goals conceded, controlled performances, and a squad that looks settled and confident. Luis de la Fuente’s side have been one of the most consistent teams in the competition and will be slight favourites heading into the quarter-final.
The one selection question is on the left wing. Álex Baena has started there throughout the tournament, but Ferran Torres is pushing for a place and could come into the XI. Torres offers a more direct option and a stronger presence in the box. Whether Luis de la Fuente opts for Baena’s link-play or Torres’s directness is the selection call to watch — this predicted XI has Torres in, though Baena remains in contention.
Spain Predicted XI
GK: Unai Simón
RB: Pedro Porro | RCB: Pau Cubarsí | LCB: Aymeric Laporte | LB: Marc Cucurella
CDM: Rodri (C)
RCM: Dani Olmo | LCM: Pedri
RW: Lamine Yamal | ST: Mikel Oyarzabal | LW: Ferran Torres*
*Torres vs Baena — selection to be confirmed
What to Watch Out For
Belgium’s best chance of winning this match runs through Kevin De Bruyne. If he is on the ball in the right areas, Belgium can hurt anyone. Romelu Lukaku is also waiting on the bench — three goals off the bench in this tournament, all arriving late — and if this match is tight in the final twenty minutes, Tedesco will not hesitate to send him on.
For Spain, Lamine Yamal against Belgium’s left side is the match-up the whole stadium will be watching. Spain will also look to Oyarzabal through the middle and the partnership between Pedri and Olmo to control the tempo.
Spain’s clean sheet record is the number everyone is talking about. Belgium, with De Bruyne, De Ketelaere, and the threat of Lukaku off the bench, are the most credible challengers to that record in the quarter-finals.
Spain vs Belgium — live on ZEE 5, July 11, 12:30 AM IST. Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™ quarter-finals live in India on ZEE 5.
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