Belgium starting lineup vs Spain confirmed as Kevin de Bruyne named for FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final match

Belgium have faced Spain twice in the FIFA World Cup before.

Belgium are set to take on European champions Spain in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Friday, July 10. Despite starting their campaign on a weak note, the Red Devils have found form in the knockout stage and are currently on an 18-match unbeaten streak across all competitions.

Rudi Garcia’s men were drawn in Group G alongside Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand. In the first game, they drew 1-1 with Egypt, and their only goal came from an own goal by Mohamed Hany. In the next game, they failed to prepare an answer to Iran’s masterclass in deep defending for 90 minutes, eventually playing out a goalless draw.

Until the Red Devils reached the final matchday, they were in dire need of a win and, ultimately, a statement triumph. That happened as they defeated New Zealand 5-1 and topped the group, securing a clash against Senegal in the round of 32.

Leandro Trossard, Kevin de Bruyne, and Romelu Lukaku were finally able to get on the scoresheet for the first time in the summer competition against the All Whites. However, their most spectacular performance came in the round of 32 against African heavyweights Senegal, when they scored two goals in 161 seconds to force extra time and eventually win with the latest goal in the tournament’s history.

In the round of 16, Belgium were unhappy after Folarin Balogun’s red card was overturned. However, the Red Devils were not bothered by the off-pitch politics and went on to secure a comfortable 4-1 triumph over co-host the US.

However, they face their biggest challenge in the quarterfinals as they take on the 2010 champions, who have yet to concede a single goal in the tournament.

Also Read: Spain vs Belgium – All-time head-to-head record ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

Belgium lineup for the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Spain

Belgium XI: Thibaut Courtois (GK), Maxim De Cuyper, Nathan Ngoy, Brandon Mechele, Timothy Castagne, Youri Tielemans (C), Kevin de Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, Nicolas Raskin, Leandro Trossard, Charles De Ketelaere

Thoughts on the lineup

Amadou Onana will miss the QF clash due to injury; thus, Rudi Garcia has made a few changes to the playing XI he fielded against the US in the last round. Thibaut Courtois will keep the gloves despite having kept only one clean sheet in five matches at the summer competition.

Maxim De Cuyper and Timothy Castagne will play on the flanks in the backline while Nathan Ngoy and Brandon Mechele form the centre-back duo. Skipper Youri Tielemans will add stability to the midfield and will be joined by Nicolas Raskin.

Kevin de Bruyne will be the creative engine of the team, while Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard will feature on the wings. Charles De Ketelaere will start as the Red Devils’ frontman over Romelu Lukaku.

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