Spain have overcome Belgium 2-1 in their World Cup quarter-final at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
It was a Fabian Ruiz goal that gave the European champions the lead on the half-hour mark, as he tucked away a close-range shot after Thibaut Courtois palmed Dani Olmo’s shot right into his path. However, shortly before half-time, Charles De Ketelaere nodded home a cross to bring Belgium level in timely fashion.
It marked the first time that Luis de la Fuente’s Spain side had conceded at this tournament, and it was an encouraging response by Belgium after they lost their captain Youri Tielemans to a pre-match injury – after the midfielder had already been named in the starting XI.
Another injury struck Belgium late in the game, though, with goalkeeper Courtois going off in tears. And his replacement Senne Lammens spilled the ball to Mikel Merino in the final minutes, allowing the Spaniard to smash home a rebound for a 2-1 win.
Follow all the fallout from Spain v Belgium in our live blog below:
Read MoreInexplicable Lammens error costs Belgium as Spain’s Merino grabs match-winning mantle again
Spain v Belgium player ratings: Mikel Merino inspires La Roja with substitute cameo
Spain v Belgium
- Spain beat Belgium 2-1 in World Cup quarter-finals, with France next
- 88' GOAL! Merino smashes home rebound after error from Lammens [SPA 2-1 BEL]
- 71' INJURY! Belgium goalkeeper Courtois goes off in tears, Lammens comes on
- 41' GOAL! De Ketelaere header sees Spain concede for first time at tournament [SPA 1-1 BEL]
- 30' GOAL! Ruiz tucks away rebound after Courtois palms Olmo shot to midfielder [SPA 1-0 BEL]
- Belgium captain Tielemans forced out of starting XI at last moment due to injury
Merino's record at major tournaments
22:50 , Jack TannerSo, that’s two goals for Mikel Merino at this summer’s World Cup.
But the Arsenal man has scored for Spain before at a major tournament - a 119th minute winner against Germany in the quarter finals of the 2024 Euros.
Of course, Spain went on to lift the trophy two summers ago - is Merino’s late heroics a good omen this year?
Inexplicable Lammens error costs Belgium as Spain’s Merino grabs match-winning mantle again
22:29 , Kieran Jackson in Los AngelesNo wonder Spain boss Luis de la Fuente can’t resist keeping Mikel Merino on the bench. It’s now two World Cup knockout games deadlocked, two World Cup knockout games won by the left boot of the Arsenal midfielder. On Monday, it was against Portugal in Dallas; here in the Californian sunshine, he was quickest following in, anticipating an error from the Belgian goalkeeper. Slamming the ball into the roof of the net two minutes from time, he sends his country into a tantalising semi-final showdown with fellow European heavyweights France on Tuesday.
Only, it wasn’t meant to be this way for this valiant Belgian team. The cruel turn of the tide came 20 minutes from the end when Thibaut Courtois, one of the world’s greatest goalkeepers, trudged off inconsolable after sustaining a thigh injury. A very capable No 2 in Man Utd’s Senne Lammens took his place but it was his error, his inability to hold on to Pau Cubarsi’s long-range effort, his incomprehensible spill of the football into Merino’s path, which will be the lasting image of their World Cup campaign.
Inexplicable Lammens error costs Belgium as Spain’s Merino claims match-winner again
Nine minutes - two goals for Mikel Merino
22:23 , Jack TannerMikel Merino was the hero for Spain once again, coming off the bench to grab the winner against Belgium - just as he did versus Portugal.
He was on the pitch for four minutes (plus seven in added time) against Belgium. Against Portugal, it was just five regular minutes needed for Merino to make an impact.
Two quarter finals down, two to go
22:15 , Jack TannerSo, one half of the bracket for the semi finals has been filled - France and Spain are locked in.
Another two from Norway v England and Argentina v Switzerland will make up the final four.
England and Norway are up next at 10pm tomorrow night.
France vs Spain
22:02 , Jack TannerTwo of the pre-tournament favourites will meet at the semi-final stage.
France and Spain will vie for a spot in the final on Tuesday, July 14 in Texas.
FULL TIME - SPAIN ADVANCE TO SEMI FINALS
22:00 , Jack TannerFULL TIME: Spain 2 - 1 Belgium
And that’s it in Los Angeles - Spain are through to the semi-finals of the World Cup. Mikel Merino is the hero yet again for La Roja with another late winner.
Witsel booked for studs-up challenge
21:58 , Jack Tanner90+5 mins: Spain 2 - 1 Belgium
Witsel is booked for raking his studs down the shin of Rodri. Not the nicest of challenges.
WATCH: Merino's second late goal in two games
21:56 , Jack TannerMIKEL MERINO GIVES SPAIN THE LEAD!
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 10, 2026
It's a costly mistake from Senne Lammens who replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois 😬 pic.twitter.com/l2rOjjSudg
Laporte booked
21:55 , Jack Tanner90+3 mins: Spain 2 - 1 Belgium
Laporte sees yellow for a foul in his own half. The free-kick is dealt with by Spain, who spurn a good chance to counter.
Moment of madness for Simon
21:55 , Jack Tanner90+2 mins: Spain 2 - 1 Belgium
Unai Simon has gone walkies twice now - he comes rushing out of his goal with Saelemaekers out wide. Fortunately the defenders deal with it for their goalie.
Minimum seven minutes in the second half
21:53 , Jack Tanner90+1 mins: Spain 2 - 1 Belgium
Spain will have to hold on for seven minutes to advance to the semi-finals for just the second time.
GOAL! MERINO A SUPER-SUB AGAIN!
21:50 , Jack Tanner88 mins: Spain 2 - 1 Belgium
Rinse and repeat for Spain. Merino has once again been on the pitch for a matter of minutes, and he’s on hand to tuck home the rebound to a spilled Cubarsi shot. Lammens hasn’t covered himself in any glory with that one.
De Bruyne first Belgian to be booked
21:48 , Jack Tanner85 mins: Spain 1 - 1 Belgium
De Bruyne hauls down former Manchester City teammate Feran Torres. He is booked, and that is his last interaction before coming off for Saelemaekers.
At the same time, Spain replace Dani Olmo with Mikel Merino - the man who claimed a late winner against Portugal last time out.
Yamal fluffs his lines
21:46 , Jack Tanner84 mins: Spain 1 - 1 Belgium
Not for the first time today, Yamal is released in behind. His first touch is good - maybe too good - as it bounces into his knee. That allows Belgium to smother Spain’s biggest threat.
Williams comes in for Oyarzabal
21:41 , Jack Tanner79 mins: Spain 1 - 1 Belgium
It’s been a quiet night for Spain’s leading goalscorer at this summer’s World Cup, Mikel Oyarzabal. He makes way for Nico Williams.
Into the final 15
21:38 , Jack Tanner76 mins: Spain 1 - 1 Belgium
Neither goalkeeper - or all three of the ones that have played in this game - have been truly troubled in this second half. Can someone step up to take this game by the scruff of the neck?
FLASHPOINT: Courtois subbed off for Belgium
21:34 , Jack Tanner
Courtois forced off with injury
21:33 , Jack Tanner71 mins: Spain 1 - 1 Belgium
A huge blow for Belgium - Courtois, who is in tears, has to come off due to injury. Manchester United goalkeeper Lammens is now in between the sticks for Belgium.
Still level
21:30 , Kieran Jackson in Los AngelesThere really isn’t much to separate these two at the moment.
Spain have more of the play - and Yamal has had countless sights of goal - but Belgium look a genuine threat on the counter-attack.
Will we have a late twist here?!
Courtois down with an issue
21:29 , Jack Tanner66 mins: Spain 1 - 1 Belgium
It is not hydration break time just yet - the current delay is for Courtois’ injury.
Scratch that - Michael Oliver, sensibly, decides to send the players for a drink.
Penalty shout for Belgium?
21:24 , Jack Tanner62 mins: Spain 1 - 1 Belgium
Belgium’s turn to appeal for penalty. Laporte’s header is flicked into the body of Rodri - and potentially his arm. Ref Oliver unmoved.
Another shot on target for Yamal
21:23 , Jack Tanner61 mins: Spain 1 - 1 Belgium
Yamal hasn’t scored yet - emphasis on the yet. He’s drawn another save from Courtois.
Triple change for Belgium
21:23 , Jack Tanner60 mins: Spain 1 - 1 Belgium
Three off, three on for Belgium. Trossard, Vanaken, and De Cuyper come off for Lukaku, Witsel, and Seys.
First changes of the game
21:18 , Jack Tanner56 mins: Spain 1 - 1 Belgium
Baena makes way for Torres, with Ruiz coming off for Pedri for Spain.
Belgium's turn to attack
21:17 , Jack Tanner55 mins: Spain 1 - 1 Belgium
Belgium’s first proper attack of the half, with De Bruyne and Doku setting up De Cuyper. The defender blasts into the side netting.
Spain turning to their bench
21:15 , Jack Tanner53 mins: Spain 1 - 1 Belgium
Looks like we’re about to see Fernan Torres and Pedri come on for Spain.
Spain cranking up the pressure
21:14 , Jack Tanner52 mins: Spain 1 - 1 Belgium
Spain moving the ball around, trying to tempt Belgium into opening up. Yamal’s latest effort from the edge of the box is blocked for a corner. The set-piece comes in, with Olmo blasting over.
Courtois - and offside flag - deny Yamal
21:11 , Jack Tanner48 mins: Spain 1 - 1 Belgium
Yamal is released into the box, and one-on-one with Courtois. The Belgian ‘keeper spreads himself to deny the winger - it would be a Spain corner if not for the offside flag.
Action restarts in California
21:08 , Jack Tanner46 mins: Spain 1 - 1 Belgium
Spain restart play in the second half. One apiece, who will grab the game’s third goal?
WATCH: Spain concede for the first time this tournament
21:06 , Jack TannerSpain have conceded their first goal of the World Cup 🫨
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 10, 2026
Charles De Ketelaere scores the equaliser for Belgium 🎯 pic.twitter.com/B3Z5W2TdCo
WATCH: Ruiz opens the scores
21:03 , Jack TannerFabian Ruiz opens the scoring for Spain 🔥 pic.twitter.com/SDj8uz3EzE
Scores level at half time
20:52 , Jack TannerHalf time: Spain 1 - 1 Belgium
Goals from both teams in the first half - somewhat of a surprise, considering that Spain hadn’t conceded in their first six games of the tournament so far.
Belgium will be the happier of the two teams going into the interval.
Oyarzabal and Olmo clash heads
20:49 , Jack Tanner45+4 mins: Spain 1 - 1 Belgium
Oyarzabal and Olmo run into each other, and what could be a nasty incident luckily ends with both players getting back to their feet.
Five minutes added
20:46 , Jack Tanner45+1 mins: Spain 1 - 1 Belgium
We will have five additional minutes at the end of this half.
First booking of the game
20:44 , Jack Tanner43 mins: Spain 1 - 1 Belgium
Pau Cubarsi is the first name in Michael Oliver’s book after trying to rip Kevin De Bruyne shorts off, grabbing the Belgian after falling to the floor.
Belgium level
20:43 , Kieran JacksonBelgium equalise - and it’s Charles De Ketelaere again!
Two in the last game, another here - and it’s a gorgeous glancing header!
That’s the first goal Spain have conceded in 650 World Cup minutes - and their first of the tournament!
That shakes things up a bit!
GOAL! DE KETELAERE EQUALISES
20:42 , Jack Tanner41 mins: Spain 1 - 1 Belgium
650 minutes without conceding, and now Spain have let a goal in! Belgium recycle possession to create a second crossing opportunity.
The second cross comes to De Ketelaere, who flicks his header past Unai Simon.
Yamal getting closer
20:40 , Jack Tanner40 mins: Spain 1 - 0 Belgium
Yamal fires into the side netting after wriggling past both De Cuyper and Ngoy. The teenager is well up for this one.
Spain hitting their groove
20:39 , Jack Tanner38 mins: Spain 1 - 0 Belgium
Spain are playing like prime, erm, Spain. Lovely one-touch football with flicks and knock downs that almost unlocked Belgium again.
Baena with Spain's latest effort
20:37 , Jack Tanner36 mins: Spain 1 - 0 Belgium
A ball over the top unlocks Baena - who ironically, based on his earlier appeals - handles before firing a shot off. Unlike the penalty he wanted before, this handball is called.
Courtois equal to Yamal free kick
20:35 , Jack Tanner35 mins: Spain 1 - 0 Belgium
Courtois gets down to Yamal’s free kick, but he only parries it back into the chaos of the box. Belgium just about clear for a corner.
Yamal's mazy run upended early
20:35 , Jack Tanner34 mins: Spain 1 - 0 Belgium
Lamine Yamal starts a slaloming run, and as he reaches the edge of the area, Jeremy Doku decides to block the talented teen. Probably a good decision, even if the free kick is in a dangerous position.
GOAL! RUIZ ON THE REBOUND
20:31 , Jack Tanner30 mins: Spain 1 - 0 Belgium
We’re sparked back into life with Dani Olmo’s initial effort, which draws a decent stop from Thibaut Courtois. The unmarked Fabian Ruiz tucks home to open scores.
Hydration break over
20:29 , Jack Tanner28 mins: Spain 0 - 0 Belgium
We’re back to the action, and as we’ve seen throughout this competition, the hydration break has slowed things down after the restart.
Dani Olmo magic almost unlocks Belgian defence
20:25 , Jack Tanner23 mins: Spain 0 - 0 Belgium
We go into the hydration break, but moments before Dani Olmo produced a fine moment. On the swivel he manages to back-heel and sling the ball out to Yamal, who keeps the ball live and knocks it past De Cuyper. The left-back blocks the winger from continuing his run, but no foul is rightly given.
Yamal fires wide
20:22 , Jack Tanner21 mins: Spain 0 - 0 Belgium
Oyarzabal harasses Raskin into giving up possession on the edge of the Belgian box. That tees up Yamal to curl one - past the post. He claims a deflection; Michael Oliver disagrees.
Fairly even so far
20:22 , Kieran Jackson in Los AngelesTwenty minutes in Belgium will be pretty satisfied. They’ve limited Spain to one opening after a set-piece and Jeremy Doku looks a serious threat on the break.
Belgium growing in confidence
20:19 , Jack Tanner18 mins: Spain 0 - 0 Belgium
Belgium aren’t just going to sit back and try their luck on their counter. They’re growing into this one, with a cross deep into the box almost finding De Cuyper. Instead the referee deems his effort as a foul.
FLASHPOINT: Did Ngoy handball?
20:17 , Jack Tanner
First Belgian counter of the evening
20:16 , Jack Tanner15 mins: Spain 0 - 0 Belgium
Jeremy Doku fancies his chances against Pedro Porro down this left-flank, the right-side of Spain’s defence. This counter advances to the point of Belgium’s first shot - De Ketelaere’s effort is blocked.
Half-hearted appeals for Spain penalty
20:14 , Jack Tanner13 mins: Spain 0 - 0 Belgium
Baena wants a penalty after his effort is blocked by a Belgian hand/wrist at close range. It’s exactly because of the proximity that Michael Oliver waves away the appeal, and VAR agrees.
Spain snuffing out Belgian moves
20:13 , Jack Tanner12 mins: Spain 0 - 0 Belgium
We haven’t seen Belgium spring a proper foray into the Spain half since the opening minute. Laporte has just slid into deny De Ketelaere from a run towards goal.
Trossard lucky to escape booking for tug of Yamal
20:11 , Jack Tanner9 mins: Spain 0 - 0 Belgium
Yamal has just been hauled down by Trossard’s tug down Spain’s left-hand flank. Referee Michael Oliver gives the free kick but no card.
The set-piece is fired low into the box, but semi-cleared only to Rodri. His drive inside the box is blocked by Ngoy.
Spain probing
20:05 , Jack Tanner5 mins: Spain 0 - 0 Belgium
Spain are on top five minutes in, but they’re yet to record a shot. A probing pass for Yamal is cut out before he can ask questions inside the box.
Spain and Belgium feeling each other out
20:03 , Jack Tanner3 mins: Spain 0 - 0 Belgium
Spain have their first foray forward, looking dangerous with Cucurella down the left. The offside flag prevents the ball from being recycled into the box.
Kick-off in the second quarter final
20:02 , Jack TannerKick-off: Spain 0 - 0 Belgium
We’re underway in LA! Spain in Roja, meaning Belgium can’t also be in red - they’re in an all-white change strip.
Moment's silence before kick-off
20:00 , Jack TannerThere will be a moment’s silence ahead of kick-off for the 12 lives lost to wild fires in southern Spain.
Tielemans out
19:57 , Kieran Jackson in Los AngelesBit of a shock that seeing Kevin De Bruyne lead Belgium out - heartbreak for captain Youri Tielemans, injured in the warm-up.
And a big blow for the Belgians.
Anthems wrapped up
19:56 , Jack TannerThe Belgium anthem quickly follows, with the Belgians lined up in Tintin-blue tracksuit jackets.
Time for the anthems
19:55 , Jack TannerThe (officially) lyric-less Spanish national anthem is played first.
Michael Buffer announces the teams
19:52 , Kieran Jackson in Los AngelesThe famous boxing announcer screams out Spain and Belgium on the 360 screen hovering above the pitch.
And finishes with his trademark “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble!”
Late change for Belgium
19:46 , Jack TannerYouri Tielemans has dropped out of the Belgium side minutes before kick-off. The Aston Villa centre midfielder was pictured in the warm-up, but he will be replaced by Hans Vanaken.
Humid and hot in LA
19:36 , Kieran Jackson in Los AngelesA view from the gods in the Los Angeles Stadium as the players conduct their warm-up.
Spain are overwhelming favourites for this one, but Belgium are coming off the back of their best performance of the tournament so far.
Should be a fun one this!
Can Spain better their own record?
19:30 , Jack TannerSpain have reached the quarter-finals without conceding, recording six straight clean sheets.
En route to their maiden World Cup triumph in 2010, the Spaniards conceded just twice - both goals scored against Spain during the group stage.
That remains the record for lowest amount of goals conceded by a World Cup champion.
Top goalscorer latest
19:25 , Jack TannerOn the topic of goals, let’s run through the race for the golden boot.
Despite missing a penalty, Kylian Mbappe leapfrogged Lionel Messi with his strike on the hour mark against Morocco last night.
The Frenchman and the Argentine are tied on eight goals apiece, with Mbappe top thanks to three assists compared to Messi’s one.
Erling Haaland is just behind with seven goals, one ahead of upcoming opponent Harry Kane on six.
Ousmane Dembele also scored in France’s win over Morocco to take his tally to five. Oyarzabal and Jude Bellingham are the only players still in the competition with four goals scored.
1. Kylian Mbappe (France), 8 goals, (3 assists)
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina), 8 goals (1 assist)
3. Erling Haaland (Norway), 7 goals (0 assists)
4. Harry Kane (England), 6 goals (1 assist)
5. Ousmane Dembele (France), 5 goals (2 assists)
= 6. Vinicius Jr (Brazil), 4 goals (1 assist)
= 6. Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain), 4 goals (1 assist)
= 6. Ismaila Sarr (Senegal), 4 goals (1 assist)
= 6. Julian Quinones (Mexico), 4 goals (1 assist)
= 6 Jude Bellingham (England, 4 goals (1 assist)
World Cup 2026 Golden Boot: Messi, Mbappe, Haaland and Kane in thrilling race
Oyarzabal to stick to goalscoring schedule?
19:20 , Jack TannerMikel Oyarzabal entered the World Cup with 13 goal contributions in nine internationals, and the Real Sociedad star has continued that vein of form for Spain during the tournament.
Interestingly, despite scoring four goals and assisting another in his five games at the tournament, Oyarzabal is forming a pattern - blank, brace, blank, brace.
He blanked in Spain’s 1-0 win over Portugal last time out - is he due another two goals against Belgium tonight?
Spain relatively settled with the one change
19:11 , Jack TannerSpain have made one change from their 1-0 win over Portugal last time out, swapping Barcelona’s Pedri for Fabian Ruiz of Paris Saint Germain.
World Cup farewell for the Los Angeles Stadium
19:10 , Jack TannerThis is the last time we will see the ‘Los Angeles Stadium’ - the venue formerly known as SoFi Stadium - at this World Cup.
Spain and Belgium have already played one game apiece in Los Angeles. 10-man Belgium managed a 0-0 draw with Iran during the group stage, whilst Spain romped to a 3-0 win over Austria in the round of 16.
In seven fixtures at the Los Angeles Stadium so far this World Cup, we have seen 23 goals. Let’s hope for a few more tonight.
De la Fuente labels Belgium clash Spain's 'hardest' of the World Cup so far
19:00 , Jack TannerSpain boss Luis de la Fuente is under no illusions that Belgium will be a big test for his side.
He told press on Thursday afternoon at the Los Angeles Stadium: "Tomorrow's game will be the hardest that we've faced to this point.
"Belgium is a very powerful team. These are players who are used to winning. It's going to be a challenging match."
Belgium restore stars to line-up
18:59 , Jack TannerBelgium’s talismanic midfielder Kevin De Bruyne starts from the off, whilst Jeremy Doku comes back to the starting XI as well.
There’s still no room for Romelu Lukaku, who is still gaining match fitness. His displays off the bench for Belgium have been more than impactful, and the Red Devils will hope for more the same tonight.
Interestingly, the injured Amadou Onana is replaced not by Hans Vanaken, but instead by Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin.
Line ups
18:49 , Jack TannerBelgium XI: Courtois; Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; Raskin, Tielemans; Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard; De Ketelaere.
Subs: Lammens, Penders, Theate, Meunier, De Winter, Seys, Witsel, Saelemaekers, Vanaken, Lukaku, Moreira, Fernandez-Pardo, Lukebakio.
Line-ups
18:48 , Jack TannerSpain XI: Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Ruiz; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal.
Subs: Raya, J Garcia, Pubill, Grimaldo, E Garcia, Merino, Pedri, Gavi, Zubimendi, Torres, Pino, Iglesias, Munoz, Williams.
Team news on the way...
18:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleRighty ho. Team news should be with us shortly. Will Belgium bring back a couple of their big-hitters? And are there any surprises in a settled Spain team?
This is the third meeting between the two countries at the World Cup. As previously mentioned, Belgium were winners in the first match-up, advancing on penalties 5-4 winners after a 1-1 draw in normal time and extra time in 1986.
The following World Cup, Belgium and Spain were drawn in the same group at Italia ‘90.
Both managed to qualify from the group stage, with Spain in first and Belgium second. The Spanish enacted revenge on their Belgian counterparts for defeat in ‘86 with a 2-1 win at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi.
Overall, the two countries have played 22 times, with Spain victorious on 12 occasions. Currently the Spaniards are on an eight-game unbeaten streak against the Belgians, with their last meeting, a friendly, ending in a 2-0 win for Spain in 2016.
La Roja beat the Belgians twice during qualifying for the 2010 edition of the tournament - obviously going on to win the lot in South Africa.
World Cup 2026 statistics: What the numbers reveal about the quarter-finalists
18:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleWant more stats like the one referenced by Rudi Garcia? Lawrence Ostlere has dug deep into all of the facts and figures to look at some of the trends and tactics of this World Cup.
World Cup 2026 statistics: What the numbers reveal about the quarter-finalists
18:25 , Jack Tanner
It is not the first time these two countries have met in a World Cup quarter-final. 40 years ago Spain and Belgium crossed paths at Mexico ‘86, playing out a 1-1 draw at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Pueblo.
Jan Ceulemans opened the scores for the Belgians in the first half, and it looked like that would be enough to secure safe passage through to the semi finals.
However, Spain’s Juan Señor equalised in the 85th minute, sending the game to extra time, before penalties were required.
Belgium were perfect from the spot, advancing 5-4 winners after the shootout for their first appearance in the semi-finals - where they lost 2-0 to eventual champions Argentina.
Rudi Garcia confident Belgium can challenge Spain
18:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleBelgium boss Rudi Garcia is confident that his side can get at Spain’s impressive defence in Los Angeles today.
"We know we are playing one of`the favourites. Spain are probably the best at ball possession and they have been playing in a recognisable way for 15 or 20 years," Garcia, who comes from Spanish heritage, said. "But we have a great team. We are the second-highest scorers in the World Cup and we are facing the team with the highest expected goals. We think we can do it."
18:15 , Jack Tanner 
Spain have been a dominant footballing force in the 21st century - just the three European Championships and one World Cup in their trophy cabinet - but it is Belgium who have reached the semi-finals of the World Cup most recently.
Belgian’s golden generation finally clicked at the 2018 edition of the tournament, losing to eventual winners France 1-0 courtesy of a Samuel Umtiti goal in the 51st minute.
The Red Devils went on to finish third, beating England 3-0 in the third-place play-off.
Until this year’s World Cup, Spain had failed to win a knockout game in the tournament since their 2010 triumph. Knocked out in the group stage of their attempted defence in 2014, Spain exited the last two World Cups in the Round of 16 after penalty shootout defeats to Russia and Morocco, respectively.
World Cup 2026: Semi-final fixtures, quarter-final results and full tournament bracket
18:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleHere’s a reminder of all of the knockout results so far and what the (rapidly filling out) bracket looks like. A semi-final in Dallas awaits Spain or Belgium.
World Cup 2026: Semi-final fixtures, quarter-final results and full bracket
Mbappe lays down latest challenge to Messi as France continue march towards history
18:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleFrance await the winners of this fascinating encounter – and look pretty ominous, in truth. A third successive World Cup final is within reach for Kylian Mbappe and co.
Mbappe lays down latest challenge to Messi as France continue march towards history
Aston Villa and Belgium hit by major World Cup blow as Amadou Onana knee injury revealed
17:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere will be at least one Belgium change – poor Amadou Onana faces a long spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee injury.
Aston Villa and Belgium hit by World Cup blow as Amadou Onana suffers knee injury
Will Kevin De Bruyne start?
17:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleKevin De Bruyne was left on the bench for Belgium’s win over the United States, but Rudi Garcia has a big call to make on the veteran midfielder for this game. Will he return to the starting side?
Belgium mock Donald Trump after knocking USA out of World Cup: ‘Overturn this’
17:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleAlso taking great relish in Belgium’s victory were...well, Belgium. On the pitch, in the dressing room and on social media, the Trump taunts came rather readily.
Belgium mock Trump after knocking USA out of World Cup: ‘Overturn this’
That’s bad karma for you, Mr President, as United States crash out of World Cup to defiant Belgium
17:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleKieran Jackson, meanwhile, seemed to very much enjoy the tournament co-hosts getting a spot of comeuppance as Belgium beat the USA after a build-up overshadowed by political meddling.
That’s bad karma for you, Mr President, as United States crash out of World Cup
How Spain got here
17:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt wasn’t necessarily riveting stuff against Portugal, but Spain seldom looked under particular threat in their round of 16 encounter with their Iberian rivals. Richard Jolly was there:
Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest World Cup failure leaves one predictable regret
Forget Lamine Yamal and Pedri – why impenetrable Spain are built on a rock-solid defence
17:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe temptation with Spain is to focus on their array of attacking and midfield talent – but it is on a rock-solid defence that this campaign has been founded. Kieran Jackson takes an in-depth look at how Luis de la Fuente has built an impenetrable side.
Forget Yamal and Pedri – why impenetrable Spain are built on a rock-solid defence
Quarter-final picture heading into Spain v Belgium
16:45 , Jack Tanner
Spain and Belgium already know their prize for victory this evening - a semi-final tie with France.
The French booked their place in the final four - for the third tournament in a row - with a 2-0 win over Morocco.
Kylian Mbappe missed a first half penalty but redeemed himself in second period, his 60th minute goal quickly followed by Ousmane Dembele six minutes later.
On the other side of the bracket, Norway v England and Argentina v Switzerland make up the other two quarter-final ties. Of course, the Three Lions face Norway 10pm BST tomorrow evening, with Argentina v Switzerland staged in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Spain vs Belgium LIVE
12:27 , Harry Latham-CoyleSpain and Belgium battle for a place in the World Cup semi-finals in a mouthwatering meeting of European sides in the last eight of the tournament. France await the winner of this clash in Los Angeles – will the continental champions continue their pursuit of global glory? Or have a Belgian golden generation got one last charge left in them?
Kick off at SoFi Stadium is at 8pm BST.
