Kathmandu: The FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter finals continue as Belgium takes on Spain at a packed stadium in Los Angeles, USA, on Saturday, 11 July, at 12:45 AM Nepal Standard Time. Both teams have reached this stage through very different paths and fans around the world can expect a tough and exciting battle for a place in the semi finals.

Spain’s Slow but Steady Path

Spain arrived at this World Cup with big expectations. During their Euro 2024 title run, they scored 15 goals and beat top teams like Croatia, Italy, Germany, France and England.

This time, however, Spain has looked less sharp. They beat Saudi Arabia 4-0 and Austria 3-0 with ease but they managed just two goals across their other three matches. Their win over Portugal in the last round needed extra effort, Mikel Merino scored the winning goal in the 91st minute sending Spain through to the quarter finals.

Coach Luis de la Fuente’s side has been solid, if not spectacular, so far. But history shows that World Cup winning teams often get better as the tournament goes on. Argentina did it in 2022 and Spain themselves did it back in 2010.

This is also Spain’s first World Cup knockout win since that 2010 final. A win over Belgium would send them to the semi finals for only the third time this century. Spain have beaten Belgium in their last six meetings and they will be hoping to make it seven.

Belgium’s Big Statement Win

Belgium enters this match full of confidence after a brilliant 4-1 win over co-hosts USA, their best performance of the tournament so far. The win came after Folarin Balogun’s suspension was lifted by FIFA, a decision Belgium’s players reportedly felt was unfair.

That controversy seemed to fire up the Red Devils who used it as extra motivation to beat the USA and knock them out of their own World Cup.

Belgium didn’t play their best football in the group stage but coach Rudi Garcia’s team has now scored seven goals in their last two knockout matches including a comeback win over Senegal. That is a big turnaround and it makes Belgium a much tougher opponent than they looked a few weeks ago.

What to Expect

A few weeks back, most people would have picked Spain to win this match easily. But Belgium’s recent form has changed the picture.

Spain will need to be at their best and their defense which hasn’t been broken down yet this tournament, could finally be tested.
Fans in Los Angeles and around the world can expect a close, high quality quarter final when these two sides meet on Saturday.