Spain And Belgium Clash In LA
Spain and Belgium face off in Los Angeles on Friday evening with a semi-final awaiting the winners. The meeting pits one of the tournament favourites against a Belgian side that has quietly rebuilt confidence and momentum after several difficult years.
Match Analysis
Spain’s progress through the tournament has been based on control, patience and defensive excellence. La Roja topped Group H before overcoming Austria and Portugal in the knockout rounds, with Merino’s late winner against their Iberian neighbours securing passage to the final eight.
That victory carried extra significance after Portugal defeated Spain in last year’s NL final, but perhaps more impressive than the result itself is the consistency shown throughout the tournament.
Spain remain the only side yet to concede a goal at tournament and have now gone six consecutive matches without allowing opponents onto the scoresheet in the competition.
De la Fuente’s record in knockout football also deserves attention. Spain have progressed from every major tournament knockout tie under the former youth coach, further strengthening belief that this generation can challenge for another world title.
Belgium’s story has been rather different. The Red Devils finished top of Group G without fully convincing before requiring a dramatic late winner from Tielemans to overcome Senegal in the last 32.
What followed against the United States was arguably Belgium’s best performance for several years. Garcia made the bold decision to leave De Bruyne, Doku and Lukaku on the bench from the start, and the gamble paid off spectacularly as De Ketelaere inspired a 4-1 victory with two goals.
Lukaku later came off the bench to score for a third consecutive appearance, while Belgium extended their unbeaten run to 18 matches.
Many expected Belgium’s so-called golden generation to fade away after 2022, but this squad has gradually developed a new identity and arrives in Los Angeles full of confidence.
The question now is whether their attacking form can continue against the tournament’s best defence.
Team News
Spain are unlikely to make many changes following the victory over Portugal. Merino’s winning goal in the last round has strengthened his claims for a starting role, while Fabian Ruiz and Marcos Llorente remain alternatives for De la Fuente in midfield.
Nico Williams is still managing an adductor issue and is expected to begin among the substitutes, while Yamal and Oyarzabal should continue in attack.
Belgium may restore De Bruyne to the starting lineup after resting him against the United States. Onana’s tournament is over following an ACL injury, leaving Garcia with decisions to make in midfield.
Vanaken and Raskin are both options to come into the side, while Debast remains unavailable through injury.
Odds and Tips
Belgium have scored freely and arrive with considerable momentum, but Spain’s ability to dominate possession and limit opportunities makes them one of the most difficult opponents left in the tournament.
If La Roja are able to dictate the tempo of the match, they should have enough quality to edge their way into the semi-finals.
Tip: Spain to win at 1.65.
Don’t forget that we also have Early Payout on this match, which you can read more about here.
Please note that the odds might have changed since the writing and/or publication of this article.
Last updated: 09.07.26
